Sadly the Road to Wembley is over for the lowest ranked team left in the world famous cup competition. Hebburn Town’s fairytale FA Cup run came to a shuddering halt on Saturday courtesy of Gateshead’s razor-sharp striker Jon Shaw and it is now Gateshead that we will follow into the FA Cup 1st Rd proper.The Conference’s top hit man moved to an astonishing 18 goals in 18 games with a brace against the Northern League part-timers – but there was no disgrace in defeat for Paul Bennett’s men, who snuffed out their high-flying opponents with some determined defending during a tight first half.
Registering some 25 shots to Hebburn’s two, this ended up being a thoroughly professional job from the professionals.
Ian Bogie had asked for focus and application from his side, and after Shaw’s second-half opener they turned the screw on their North East neighbours.
But having banked nearly £20,000 and moved through five stages to get to the brink of the first round proper, Hebburn can hold their (presumably sore) heads up high this morning.
They had a healthy following in an impressive 1,198 crowd at the International Stadium and defended with determination for half-an-hour, when skipper Chris Jewels was the best player on the pitch.
Fitness inevitably told and Gateshead were clear, deserved winners as Jon Shaw (2) and Nathan Fisher scored in The Heed's 3-0 victory.
Hebburn Town: Regan; Forster, King (Tate 75), Forsyth (Toomey 79), Wright; Stephenson (Lunn 67), Jewels, Gardiner, Nicholson; McBryde, Nicholson. Subs: Harrison, Walker, Bamborough, Hunter
Attendance: 1,198
Then on Sunday lunchtime Gateshead were rewarded with a trip to Droylsden or Blyth Spartans, both from the Confernce North, where The Heed will start as favourites.
Full FA Cup 1st Rd draw here. My Charlton boys are on the box away at FC Halifax Town.
Gateshead become just N&R's 4th Road to Wembley team this season following AFC Liverpool, Runcorn Linnetts and Hebburn Town.
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