Blow for Hebburn Town and Consett as FA Vase final postponed

The Northern League Division One rivals were set to face each other at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 27th September as they looked to become the tenth North East club to win the FA Vase.

However, the event was cast in doubt on Thursday when the DCMS confirmed that a series of pilot events to test the return of spectators to stadiums was being revised following a rise in positive Covid-19 cases across the country.

There had been hopes that 10,000 supporters would be able to attend the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals – but that figure was expected to be revised to just 1,000 after the decision was taken.

However, the Football Association have now confirmed they have postponed Finals Day – but stressed the event would be rescheduled when more supporters can attend.

An FA statement read: “Following the updated Government Covid-19 guidelines for sports events, we have regrettably decided to postpone Non-League Finals Day, which was due to take place on Sunday 27 September.

“We understand how important it is for the participating clubs’ fans to be able to attend and therefore will rearrange at a date to be confirmed.

“We will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities on how we can bring spectators back in a safe and secure manner and further information will be confirmed in due course.”

Hebburn confirmed that they had been in talks with both the FA and Consett over the last two days.

In a statement released on their own website, they said: “Both Hebburn Town and fellow Northern League Club Consett AFC have been in continuous discussions over the past few days with each other and the FA and both were in agreement the necessity to have fans due to the importance of such a historic game for the football clubs, their towns and of course their supporters was of the upmost importance.

“Both clubs lobbied the FA to postpone until spectators would be allowed and are pleased that the FA have considered this.

“Both clubs are looking forward to a new date being set in the near future when fans will be allowed.”