FA Vase Sixth Round – 2 March 2013

SHILDON V ASCOT UNITED

It is positively spring-like in Shildon as the sun shines and the temperature rises, but the grass is not yet green enough to disguise the dominant pitch colour of muddy brown. The next round is the two-legged semi-final and there is a good sprinkling of yellow and blue scarfed Ascot supporters among the growing crowd.

They must have bought all the programmes as there are none left at 2.40, and with no team sheet posted, the Ascot team will be a bit of a mystery. As Shildon have featured a couple of times in the FA Cup run, most of them are familiar enough. The PA does announce the teams but the names are lost in the pre-match hubbub echoing round the main stand.

From the kick off the nervousness of the players and the bobbly-ness of the pitch is apparent as crosses and clearances are sliced, hooked and generally miscued propelling the ball into neighbouring properties with reckless disregard for the rapidly depleting stock of match balls.

The opening quarter is pretty even with Ascot twice threatening; a ball across the box is muffed by the right winger and Shildon keeper Finch has to dive at the left wing’s feet to smother another chance. Shildon’s response is a tame header from centre forward Greulich-Smith. It’s Greulich-Smith’s only contribution as he has to leave with a thigh or hamstring problem, replaced by Owens.

By now the game has settled down and some good football has broken out; the teams are even keeping the ball within the ground. The Shildon right back has a storming run and shot which earns a corner, this is headed in to the net by Owens but only due to a teammate fouling the keeper, so no goal is allowed. At the other end Ascot have a free kick and their two centre halves present a potential threat, particularly the number 5 who is enormous. However it is his number 6 mate that gets a downward header in, just past the foot of the post.

Gradually Shildon edge the possession and territory but fail to test the keeper; Ascot look as likely to score from their fewer forays up front. From one of these the centre forward competes well for a long clearance and is quicker to the loose ball. Racing down the left he crosses into traffic from which the left wing (now identified by the PA as Saunders) gets a weak shot on target. Inexplicably, Shildon keeper Finch fumbles it and the ball rolls over the line to give Ascot a 1-0 lead ten minutes from halftime.

Shildon respond with more attacks, winning free kicks and corners, but too often these are floated in too near the giant keeper who confidently takes control. Anything he can’t get is won by the equally muscular centre half. In the added 3 minutes he even gets his head in the way of a pile-driven shot from the excellent Owens, requiring some repairs before continuing. Two more Shildon shots rain in but are blocked.

The half time score does not reflect the balance of play but does reflect the relative defensive merits; Ascot look solid with centre half and keeper dominant, Shildon look less secure and have paid for a goalkeeping error.

For the second half Ascot face the setting sun and pack the defence and midfield leaving only one man up front. Shildon accept the initiative but continue to cross ineffectively and shoot inaccurately from distance. As time moves on the home team go three at the back taking off a centre half and bringing on a forward. With ten minutes left Shildon finally get a shot on target and test the Ascot keeper; he is well up to the task and stylishly tips it over the bar.

With five minutes remaining Shildon manage to work Johnston through on goal, but with only the keeper to beat, he blazes a shot high and wide. As Shildon deflate with disappointment at the missed opportunity, Ascot launch a rare attack and force a goalmouth melee out of which the centre forward shoots on target only to see his effort hacked off the Shildon goal line by an unidentified hero.

There are four minutes to add and Shildon go forward again, winning a corner when a shot is well saved. From the corner the ball drops to Garvie who arrows a drive towards the far angle of post and bar. On its way Owens gets a glancing touch with his head to deflect it neatly into the top corner of the net. The home fans explode with a release of pent up tension and the realisation that the Wembley dream is back on.

There remains time for another Shildon corner and a nerve jangling Ascot free kick, but no goals result so it is 1-1 at full time. Some fans prepare to leave before realising that the Vase rules permit immediate extra time before a replay is required.

Everyone then settles down to 30 more minutes of exciting cup football. However the heavy pitch and heroic exertion has had its effect. With all substitutions already made, Shildon are carrying a limping full back, Ascot’s centre forward clearly has a groin problem, and most of the rest can hardly raise a trot.

Ascot continue to play with only one forward, hoping to hang on for the replay; Shildon have no choice but to continue their attacking formation. It’s all huff and puff, mainly in the Ascot half, but right at the death an Ascot corner is headed by the big centre half and from the resulting scramble another goal line clearance is needed.

No more goals means a replay, but Shildon will not fear the trip as they have already won four away ties in the competition. The question will be how many of the walking wounded (on both sides) will recover in time to take part.