Road to Wembley - Hebburn it up

Our latest N&R Road to Wembley side Hebburn Town went to Radcliffe Borough and pulled off a stunning 4-2 victory.

Two goals in three minutes during the first half set them on their way. Paul Gardner split the home defence to release LIAM MCBRYDE who slotted home. PAUL GARDNER then skillfully controlled a pass from Jeff Forsyth before crashing the ball home in the 36th minute but two minutes later Radcliffe’s Shaun Connor reduced the deficit.

Hebburn restored their two-goal advantage four minutes into the second half with a sublime strike. McBryde headed onto DEAN NICHOLSON whose tremendous volley flashed into the net off the inside of a post.

Hebburn were now rampant and in the 76th minute, GARDNER slid the ball into the net after Tony Stephenson had beaten two defenders.

Although Radcliffe claimed a second goal with a Dave Sherlock penalty, it was Hebburn who celebrated all the way back to South Tyneside last night.

Hebburn Town: Regan, Forsyth, Wright, King, Hutchinson, Jewels, Gardiner (Forster), McClen, McBryde (Stephenson), S Nicholson (Tait), D
Attendance: 215

FA Cup fever is now gripping Hebburn!

Hebburn Town are one of the lowest-ranked sides left in the famous competition, but carry the hopes of hundreds of fans into Saturday’s clash with neighbours Gateshead.

The Northern League Division Two part-time minnows have defied the odds to reach the FA Cup’s fourth and final qualifying round – the furthest they have ever progressed.

They will make the short trip to Gateshead's International (Athletics) Stadium hoping to carry out a giant-killing at the expense of their Blue Square Premier rivals, who play five stages higher in football’s league pyramid.

More than 120 league places separate the clubs, but Hebburn are riding high after travelling to Greater Manchester and defeating Radcliffe Borough 4-2 in the last round.

That win earned the club, whose average home gate this season is just over 80, a welcome £7,500 in prize money – and a further £12,500 is at stake this weekend.

And while Saturday’s clash with full-time professional opponents will be a big ask for Hebburn, much of the town is getting behind the squad.

Club chairman Billy Laffey said: “This is without doubt the biggest game in the club’s history."

More on Hebburn Town soon.