Jarrow and Hebburn Town bosses react to tricky FA Vase ties

Hebburn Town manager Kevin Bolam believes that his side have been handed the hardest possible start to their FA Vase campaign.
The FA Vase draw has been madeThe FA Vase draw has been made
The FA Vase draw has been made

The Hornets were paired with Northern League Division One title rivals North Shields in Monday’s second round draw – although the impending lockdown means that a date for the tie at the Green Energy Sports Ground is yet to be confirmed.

The Robins are the only side to have inflicted a league defeat on Bolam’s men so far this season after they claimed a 3-2 win at the Daren Persson Stadium last month.

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The Hornets boss admitted that his players will have to be fully prepared for the tie, no matter when it takes place.

Bolam told The Gazette: “They turned us over a few weeks ago and it was a very difficult night for us.

“Yes, we have been drawn at home, but let’s be honest, it’s not an ideal draw.

“You like to stay away from the Northern League clubs, but we haven’t and it’s a very tough tie, as tough as it gets really.

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“It’s strange entering this season’s Vase when we still have last year’s final to play, but we will let the powers that be sort that one out.

“We now have to focus on this tie against North Shields and there aren’t many harder starts than them.”

Jarrow’s reward for their shock win over Northern Counties East Premier Division leaders Yorkshire Amateur is a home tie against North West Counties promotion challengers Warrington Rylands.

They currently sit in third place in the Premier Division after winning three and drawing one of their four league fixtures so far this season.

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The tie will mark a new high point in Jarrow’s fledgling Vase history as they compete in the second round for the first time in their history.

Joint-manager Dave Bell believes that his side have “another big occasion” on their hands as they look to continue their historic run.

He said: “When I got the draw, I did a bit of research on them and it’s a big test for us.

“We have been fortunate because three of our four ties have been at home, so that is a real plus and it’ll be another big occasion for us as a club.

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“It’s the first time we have been at this stage of the competition, so it’s all looking positive for us.”

Hebburn and Jarrow will pick up £900 in prize money if they come through their second round ties and will collect £275 if they are beaten.