Match Report
Saturday 1st February 2025
Isuzu FA Vase Fifth Round
North Shields 1-2 Whitchurch Alport
‘Robins bow out of FA Vase’
With the tension built up all week, the day had finally arrived as FA Vase fever was in full flow at the Daren Persson Stadium, a vibrant atmosphere with both sets of supporters in fine voice as both teams took to the field.
GOAL NORTH SHIELDS 1-0 Whitchurch Alport – Lewis Suddick ‘8
A DREAM START FOR THE ROBINS! Jordan Lashley upended inside the penalty area whilst twisting and turning trying to carve a path through to goal. No hesitation from the match official to award the spot kick, up stepped Lewis Suddick to calmly slot the ball home, sending Whitchurch’s Jack Sheward the wrong way.
Moments later, it could have been two, Suddick with an effort from distance tipped around the post by Sheward.
The traffic all one way, another chance for the Robins to extend their lead, Suddick once more involved bearing down on goal, caught in two minds to shoot or cross, decided to choose the latter but was unable to pick out a teammate.
The visitors were presented with an opportunity from the edge of the area, no danger coming from the cross as the Robins were able to clear their lines.
A misplaced pass from the visitors gave possession to Suddick, deciding to shoot from distance, straight at Sheward.
McCamley, proving to be a handful, went on a surging run from halfway, working his way into the penalty area, cutting inside before unleashing an effort bound for the far corner, only to be denied by a neat save from Sheward.
GOAL North Shields 1-1 WHITCHURCH ALPORT – Callum Knowles ‘36
Somewhat against the run of play, the visitors found themselves level, the Robins unable to clear their lines, caught out at the back, the ball played to the byline and crossed to the centre where marksman Callum Knowles rose highest to head home.
GOAL North Shields 1-2 WHITCHURCH ALPORT – Harry Bower ‘43
Right on the brink of half time, the visitors went ahead, Harry Bower picking up the loose ball outside of the area, cutting onto his right, before unleashing a dipping effort, through a shower of bodies, the ball looping over Hayes who had no time to react.
One last chance of the half for the Robins, McCamley with an almost inch perfect cross for Waldon in the middle, who just couldn’t quite stretch his foot out far enough to get on the end as the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
Halftime upon us, the visitors with the lead, a bright start from the Robins with a strong argument that they should have been out of sight after a quarter of an hour. Not to be, the visitors stuck in and took their chances when presented to them.
Second half started with the Robins on the front foot, going straight on the attack from the kick off, Lashley cutting and curling an effort but just not able to quite wrap his foot around the effort as the ball sailed past the wrong side of the post.
McCamley showed the visiting defence a clean pair of heels, cutting inside before forcing a fingertip save out of Sheward, as the custodian was somehow able to tip the effort over the bar.
A flurry of chances from the hosts, successive corners and an effort over the top, as the Robins stood strong denying the visitors from extending their lead.
A long ball over the top was brought down well by Lashley, driving into the penalty area and cutting inside, letting off an effort only to be denied by a superb last ditch block.
Holmes replaced Carr just beyond the hour mark.
Forster winning back possession presented the Robins with a great chance to draw level, the ball worked to Suddick who crossed to the back post, where Forster had continued his run, his headed effort agonizingly wide of the target.
Lashley saw another effort blocked before heading a McCamley cross back across goal at the back post as the Robins continued in search of an equalizer.
At the other end, the visitors found themselves through on goal, Hayes standing strong as the effort went wide of the target, moments later, Hayes was called into action once more, producing a great stop to deny the visitors from a third.
With time running out, Robinson replaced Marrs, involved almost immediately, creating space before laying the ball off to McCamley who picked out the run of Holmes through the middle, his diving header flashing past the outside of the near post.
Three minutes added time, but it wasn’t enough for the Robins to muster up one last chance as the match official brought the proceedings to a conclusion, seeing the Robins bow out at the last 16 stage, bringing an end to a terrific run in this season’s competition, creating some special memories along the way, a magnificent achievement that everybody connected to the club, the players, the management team, the volunteers and the amazing supporters who joined us on the journey can be immensely proud of.
Best of luck to Whitchurch Alport who provided great opposition, with a superb set of supporters, good luck in the next round and the remainder of the season.
Next up for the Robins, Easington Colliery is the destination for our Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup tie this coming Thursday (6th Feb) night with a 7.30pm kick off.
North Shields: Hayes, Marrs, Lough, Carr, Coppen, E Anderson, McCamley, Forster ©, Waldon, Suddick, Lashley.
Subs: Downey, D Anderson, Cassidy, Robinson, Holmes.
Goal Scorers:
North Shields: Suddick ‘8.
Whitchurch Alport: Knowles ‘36, Bower ‘43.
Advance Garage Doors MOTM: Lewis Suddick
Attendance: 585
Next Up: Easington Colliery (A) – Thursday 6th February – 7.30pm
