FA cup action returned to Grounsell Park as the Stan, the joint lowest ranked team in the competition, took on the original world cup winners. This was the first time West Auckland had played in High Heaton since the 1951-52 season and a crowd of over 300 were there to watch this entertaining clash. There was a competitive debut for Paul Anthony, Graham Williams, Kevin Leighton, Paul Bell (from the bench) and for ex-player William James.

Neither team were slow off the mark as it was 1-1 after 4 minutes. In the 3rd minute, a through pass to Adam Burnicle saw him outpace 2 defenders and finished well when 1 on 1 with Smith. A minute later and a Philipson cross was mis-kicked by a defender and the ball went out to Dean Imray on the edge of the box who half volleyed the ball into the net. 3 minutes later and Stoddart tried a longshot that went over. It was end to end and there was some good defending by Leighton.

In the 15th minute, a good ball in by Philipson was blasted just over by Imray. A counter attack by West then saw Richardson shoot just over.

The action and efforts continued at both ends. In 29 minutes, Williams tripped a visiting forward on the edge of the box but the free kick was cleared by Leighton. A pacey attack by West in 33 minutes saw Richardson shoot just over and 3 minutes later a great ball in by Wilson was headed just wide by Imray. After another 2 minutes, Smith punched a ball clear from a corner and in 39 minutes good work by McCabe in the box saw him eventually shoot wide.

There was some good defending by the Stan in the last few minutes of an exciting half. There was nothing between the teams though and a draw was a fair scoreline at half time.

In the 2nd half, both sides continued to attack. In 48 minutes, Philipson shot just wide followed by the visitor’s Burnicle heading just wide. There were further chances at each end until, in the 61st minute, Burnicle fell on his backside in the box as he was about to score. West were now beginning to step up a gear and there was a period of intense pressure by the visitors.

The constant attacks paid off in the 65th minute when a free-kick was headed in by substitute Rose. The Stan remained under pressure and the visitors were closing them down when they did get the ball. Substitute Jones made a difference up front for the Stan but not until the visitors had more chances. A Burnicle shot was saved by Smith and then Rose shot wide in front of an open goal. West shot just wide again before Jones shot at the keeper.

In the 79th minute, a poor clearance by the Stan saw Edwards go past a defender and cross to Rose who slotted the ball past Smith. 2 minutes later and Smith dived and saved on the line at the 2nd attempt as the visiting players and fans claimed that the ball had crossed the line. The excitement continued as the Stan counterattacked and Ryan Bailey shot from the edge of the box to score a fantastic goal and bring the Stan back into the game.

This seemed to kick start the Stan and the final minutes were dominated by them. A cross by Dixon was caught by the wind and went just over then a pass to Williams from a free kick saw him blocked before he could shoot from a good position in the box.

With a minute to go, Jones made a good run and forward pass into the box but substitute Bell couldn’t get to the ball in time. The Stan didn’t give up and attacked into injury time but the match ended 2-3.

The visitor’s superior fitness, partly due to more pre-season matches and a sprinkling of professionals in their team, had allowed them to edge the tie. Manager Dekka Thompson said he ‘could not have asked for more from the lads.’ For now, the Wembley dream still lives on in the shape of the FA Vase.

Stan Team: Smith; Stoddart; James; Leighton; Williams; Anthony; Imray; McCabe (Jones); Yates (Bell); Bailey; Philipson (Dixon).

Unused subs: Fulcher; Wear; Robinson.

Goals: Imray 4, Bailey 82.

Yellow Cards: Leighton, Philipson

Attendance:

Kevin Mochrie