Uhlsport Hellenic League side Highworth Town hosted Ebac Northern League side North Shields in the first leg of the FA Vase semi final at The Elms in Highworth. A bumper crowd of 1,240 turned up to see which side could gain an advantage going into next weekend's second leg in the North East.
Shields were the favorites to win this tie before a ball was kicked and they started much the better side and should of taken the lead on 6 minutes a well worked free kick was cleared of the line and then the rebound was fantastically saved by Gary Stevens. On 11 minutes Shields again opened up the hosts back line and saw Dean Walker played in but his effort was sliced wide of the near post as the visitors were looking very dangerous thus far.
Highworth did gradually start to come back into the tie as they began to settle down a little in what was obvously a massive occasion and on 19 minutes they did have their first shot towards goal although Jon Davoile's effort was sliced well wide from distance. At least it was some intent from the hosts as they did look like they would be overpowered by their Northern League oppoenents.
The half there after settled down into a more typical semi final as both sides competed well and a decent battle was in progress. Chances were less frequent at this stage but on 32 minutes Town had a decent chance when a free kick to the back post was headed on target by TJ Bohane but Shields keeper Michael Robinson saved comfortably whilst up the other end two minutes later Dean Walker struck an effort just over the bar as the good battle continued.
The first goal was always going to be important in this tie and right on half time the hosts almost got it when Callum Parsons turned his marker on the edge of the box and fired a dipping effort inches over the bar. It was a very decent effort indeed and had keeper Michael Robinson worried. So no goals in the first half but plenty of endeavour from both sides.
Half Time: Highworth Town 0 North Shields 0
Half time sadly took the attention way from the pitch as firstly a North Shields fan slipped and fell over on the concrete terrace, cutting his head open in the process causing a ten minute delay at that point to the start of the second half although he looked to be ok (ish) as he was stretchered away across the pitch by the medics.
Sadly there was a further delay to the second half after some disturbances in the clubhouse involving supporters leading to police being called. It certainly wasn't what the day needed as 99% of the supporters who attended were enjoying their day and were in good spirits. Anyway the half eventually kicked off at 16.33 after the players and match officials had warmed themselves up again.
The first chance of the half fell to the hosts on 51 minutes when TJ Bohane's looping effort from outside the box had keeper Michael Robinson worried and he palmed the ball away for a corner although it was actually going wide but he took no chances, which is the right thing to do. Highworth created another opportunity on 54 minutes when TJ Bohane headed wide from a corner as the hosts started the half well on the front foot.
On 57 minutes the hosts should of taken the lead when Shields cleared off the line twice when it looked odds on Highworth would go ahead. It was a let off for the visitors and suddently the Northern League side were hanging on to their 0-0 scoreline. The battle carried on and it was now a tight semi final where you felt that one goal would possibly settle this match.
On 69 minutes Highworth went close again when a free kick from the right hand side of the are was flicked on across goal just invading runners coming in at the back post. It was close again for the hosts and they were made to pay for these misses when a minute later North Shields grabbed that all important goal with their first real meaningful attack of the half as a ball in from the left was poked at goal forcing a terrific reaction save from Gary Stevens with his feet but the ball fell to Dean Holmes who poked the rebound past Gary Stevens into the net sending the players and the 200 plus Shields fan's behind that goal wild with delight.
It was hard on the hosts but they needed to regroup although they almost gifted Shields a second goal on 76 minutes when an underhit back pass from Sam Wadieh almost let Shields in but luckerly for the home side keeper Gary Stevens managed to come out and pinch the ball off the strikers toes.
On 83 minutes the hosts were screaming for a penalty when a strike at goal seemed to hit the arm of a Shields defender but the referee didn't agree and played on which annoyed the hosts somewhat. Shields were defending solidly though and Highworth just couldn't find a way through although the visitors still looked to attack at any opportunuity although no real clear chances came about.
Just as the board went up for four minutes of stoppage time Town won another free kick near Shields box and you felt it was now or never for Highworth but Ryan King's free kick was weak and straight into the arms of keeper Michael Robinson. This was to be the last effort on goal and North Shields hold a slender advantage going into the second leg next weekend. Still all to play for though so should be another nailbiter no doubt.
Full Time: Highworth Town 0 North Shields 1
