Gavin Cogdon hungry for more FA Vase success with South Shields '“ four years after Spennymoor heroics

Gavin Cogdon has already had one dream taste of Wembley '“ and the striker is hungry for more.

Experienced striker Cogdon scored in the final of the FA Vase for Spennymoor Town four years ago, helping them to a 2-1 win over Tunbridge Wells.

The 33-year-old is now hoping to help lead South Shields to a historic first appearance at the national stadium.

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The Mariners are taking on Coleshill Town in the semi-final, with the first game of the two-legged tie taking place tomorrow.

A number of Shields players have played at Wembley before, but Cogdon insists all in the squad have the same motivation.

The striker – who is battling to be fit for tomorrow’s first leg at Coleshill – said: “I’ve been to Wembley and won the FA Vase there with Spennymoor.

“A few of us have done that, but our motivation is just as high as anyone else, because we know what it’s like to play there and want to experience it again and again.

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“Everyone in the dressing room has the same mindset and hopefully we can get the job done over the two legs.”

Shields are set to be backed by an away following of more than 300 tomorrow, with the club’s allocation of tickets having sold out in double-quick time.

Cogdon is hoping the Mariners can repay that support by ensuring they are in a strong position going into next Saturday’s return leg at Mariners Park.

He added: “We’re going to have a lot of supporters coming down for the game and they are a massive help for us.

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“When you’ve got so many people behind you, you don’t want to let them or yourself down and it gives you that extra lift.

“We know the kind of expense behind trips like this, so we massively appreciate all the support and hopefully we can repay them on the pitch.

“The fans motivate you and make you want to give that little bit more.”