Bolam stunned as shoot-out victory sees Hornets in Vase final for the first time

HEBBURN Town manager Kevin Bolam is still coming to terms with the heroic display that saw his side reach their first ever FA Vase Final.

The Hornets went a goal down two minutes after half-time in their semifinal tie at Southern Counties East League club Corinthian on Saturday.

Hopes of setting up a final meeting with Northern League rivals Consett looked to have evaporated when Olly Martin was shown a straight red card for a challenge on hosts keeper Aiden Prall with 13 minutes remaining.

But a late Graeme Armstrong penalty sent the tie into extra-time and the former Gateshead striker put the 10-man Hornets ahead 10 minutes into the additional period.

However, a controversial penalty from Jamie Billings in the second half of extra-time forced a shoot-out.

The Hornets kept their nerve from the spot and their place at Wembley was confirmed when Corinthian substitute Louie Clarke sent the crucial penalty over the crossbar.

Bolam said: “It feels amazing, it hasn’t sunk in yet, but all the planning behind the scenes starts now.

“I’ll be a proud lad that day, leading a top bunch of lads out at Wembley.

“The togetherness of everyone at the club has done this for us, it’s hauled us back from the brink.

“The club has come a long way in a short time from where we were and now, we are going to be at Wembley. I can’t put it into words.

“Steven Rutherford (director of football), Vin Pearson (chairman) have worked so hard to get us to where we are, to get the club to where we are now and days like this are a reward for them.

“Days like this don’t come along very often, but they have now, and we have to enjoy it.”

Bolam also took the time to congratulate Consett on their own progression to the final and admitted that he was looking forward to meeting the Steelmen on the big day.

“I am delighted for (manager) Terry (Mitchell) and everyone at Consett.

“They are similar to us, they were experiencing all of this for the first time and it will be a great occasion for the North East, for the Northern League and for both clubs.”