HORNETS SUPER SUB ONLY LEAVES A BIG STING IN THE TAIL FOR STEELMEN

Martin’s late show clinches a classic

- DAVID RICHARDSON

THERE were times when this final seemed destined not to be played – so it was only right Consett and Hebburn put on one hell of a show when it was.

The Northern League rivals finally got their chance to complete the competition and made sure to do it in style.

Substitute Olly Martin was the hero for Hebburn who fought back to become the long-awaited 2019-20 FA Vase champions in a classic at an empty Wembley.

Billed as the closest final to call in years, either northeast side could have snatched victory such were the small margins.

Consett will be kicking themselves having led twice in a breathless first-half and being pegged back immediately on both occasions amid the jubilation of scoring.

Straight from kick-off, tricky Consett striker Ali Alshabeeb set the tone by driving deep into the Hebburn half with the ball. The Steelmen’s tidy passing style benefitted from the pristine Wembley surface and they settled in nicely.

The Hornets had been on the back foot until classy midfielder Michael McKeown saw his drive from the edge of the Consett box saved by the legs of keeper Kyle Hayes and when the ball was recycled, Michael Richardson’s curler came back off the crossbar.