DUNSTON PROGRESS IN FA VASE AS HEANOR MISS OUT TO LATE GOAL

HEANOR TOWN 0 V DUNSTON UTS 1
FA VASE ROUND FOUR---3PM---17 JAN 2015

HERE WE GO FOR FA VASE ROUND 4 HEANOR TOWN V DUNSTON UTS

The most tense and toughest of games you would expect at this stage of the 'Vase' on a difficult pitch for both sides is probably the best overview of this afternoon in Derbyshire.

EARLY HEANOR ATTACK

There was little free flowing football played and probably even less chances.  The first half saw Heanor edge the vote but the second half saw the visitors from the north east have a clearer upper hand and with 8 minutes to go a convincing finish from Andrew Burford, who slotted past the out coming Heanor keeper to book Dunston's next round ticket.  Just before this the only other

LINESMAN CHECKS OUT WIND STRENGTH

chance of the game fell to the experienced Ricketts who got a good shot away but the visitors number 1 Liam Connell was equal to the effort.

DUNSTON ARRIVE AND AWAIT ENTRY

That really was about it while not taking away from the tremendous endeavors of both sides as this game really became a war of attrition with a nervous edge to it that meant no side wanted to lose the game.  Added to this the difficult nature of the playing surface you could feel for both sides.
So a bit more about the day FA Vase later stages are always of interest to non league fans and even more so when teams come from the Northern League they are always a pull.  Today was no different with a large away following promised and lots of local games called off due to frost and waterlogging there was a large amount of 'hoppers' and neutrals in the attendance of 396.
An early arrival at 1pm we secured a programme from an already packed club house and with no seats available the blog decamped to 'crest of the wave' to sample a sit in fish and chips special, but not before a chat with a few of the Dunston fans.  As usual the supporters were nice and social and we learned that some of them along with their players had travelled yesterday and stopped at a hotel in Chesterfield.  The remaining supporters had travelled today and the coach appeared to have been here well on time to enjoy Heanor's hospitality.  There was also time to greet the Dunston players as they arrived at The Town Ground and all was very friendly and welcoming.  Before the fish and chips there was also a quick chance to say hello to Heanor's Nathan Benger who has just re signed for the club after a small time away from The Town Ground.

A LOVELY DAY IN DERBYSHIRE WITH THE TOWN GROUND READY FOR MATCH DAY

On return to the ground an hour before kick off things were swinging into action with a tea tent now positioned just by the entrance to complete the main snack bar which is always manned by the 'lovely ladies' at the top end of the ground.
Upon entrance you are greeted by the expanse of the cricket pitch. as you walk round the first end behind the goal is a well set back stand with park bench seats in and to the corner of this is the aforementioned snack bar and changing rooms.  Moving round opposite the open cricket field side is the neat covered terracing with both dug outs in front of these.  Behind the far goal a small grass bank with a tarmacked perimeter pathway.  The ground is basic but smart and around the whole edge is covered with continuous 'Whitegates' advertising boards.

THE BENCHES WITH FOURTH OFFICIAL TIM WALKER

Another point of interest for the blog is that Tim Walker todays fourth official was also on both Vase games the blog covered at Shaw Lane Aquaforce earlier this season as referee and last Wednesdays visit to Alfreton v Matlock in the Derbyshire Senior Cup saw Tim on the line.
There was a lovely selection of football people here including Staveley MW Chairman, of course Staveley played Dunston two years ago when the North Easteners won the Vase, a variety of non league fans from Rotherham, Sheffield, NCEFL officials and of course supporters from both sides.  This game had clearly captured the imagination and the company of many was enjoyed throughout the day including a lady who was photographing the game from Fleetwood, Lancashire.

DUNSTONS MANAGEMENT TEAM MARCH OFF

At the end of the game there were many best wishes from Heanor and Dunston supporters wishing both sides all the best for the rest of the season and of course to Dunston for their next round of the FA Vase.
As an overview of the game great for non league football lots of genuine football supporters here
great to see a team from the North East again and lots of friendly times had by both Heanor and Dunston fans in one anothers company.  The game?  It was nothing to write home about but football off the pitch was the winner today.
And finally a nice surprise for this blog to see that the Heanor Town match day programme had done a two page feature on our coverage of the Shaw Lane Aquaforce v Tadcaster Albion game.



ALWAYS GET A DOG IN THE PICTURE

DUNSTON UTS ON THE MOVE