Emotional Hebburn Town boss reacts as club reaches FA Vase final

The former Hornets reserve team manager reflected on a dramatic 120 minutes that saw his side reduced to ten men, concede two penalties and bounce back from a late equaliser to win a penalty shoot-out and secure their meeting with Northern League rivals Consett in the FA Vase Final later this month.

In the immediate aftermath of the win, Bolam told The Gazette: “This group of players does not lie down for anyone, I am so proud of everyone connected with this club.

“We played with ten men, we played through extra-time with ten men and we saw our captain Louis Storey play for the majority of the match with a wrist injury.

“The character of the players is unbelievable; they deserve so much credit.

“They refused to get beaten by a dogged side, we would not be denied, we didn’t let poor decisions get to us, we won, and we deserved to win.

“The character they have shown is incredible, I am such a proud manager and a proud man right now.”

Bolam stressed the club would turn their attentions to preparing for Tuesday night’s league game against Shildon.

However, he had a word of congratulations for Northern League rivals Consett.

“I have to send my congratulations to Terry Mitchell (Consett manager) and everyone at his club.

“They are real football people and we now have a chance to put on a great occasion for the North East to celebrate.”

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