Miners’ Strike Twice to Eliminate Town From Vase

Match report sponsored by Top Car Detailing

On paper, St Helens Town were expected to be dispatched of comfortably by Hemsworth Miners Welfare in the first FA Vase game at Ruskin Drive. The hosts are sitting 2nd bottom of the First Division standings having lost all 5 of their league games so far this season. Whereas the visitors from West Yorkshire are in 2nd place of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, as they have only lost 1 of their 9 league matches to date. This expectation however was not the case, as the Blues put in a good display against the side 1 division above them.

After a depleted Town side lost 3-0 away at Carlisle City in midweek, it was encouraging to see that multiple 1st team regulars such as Liam Dodd (who skippered the side today) Joel Douglas, Danny Lomax and Neil Weaver amongst other returned to the starting line-up. These helped Town going forward as Hemsworth looked to oppose themselves as the favourites from the early stages.

However, the blues held their own and created the 1st good chance of the game through Matty Smith, who himself was returning to the starting 11. He managed to control a cross well on the half volley before shooting wide from range as Town showed they were a threat.
St Helens were also looking assured at the back, dealing with a Hemsworth attack that was only topped by Pontefract Collieries on goals scored so far this season. Captain Liam Dodd and the ever-present Andy Webster provided vital headers to stifle the away side’s dangerous crosses.

Despite this the Blues were unable to prevent Hemsworth taking the lead just before the half hour mark. A corner to the far post from the left was met by a towering header by Hemsworth captain Luke Daniels to put the visitors in the driving seat.

7 minutes later, the away side delivered another hammer blow to Town’s bid to reach the 2nd qualifying round for the 1st time since 2015. This was bizarrely scored direct from a corner as Richard Collier deceived Adam Fairchild at his near post to send “The Wells” into the break with a 2-goal advantage.

HT: St Helens Town 0 – 2 Hemsworth Miners Welfare (Daniels, 29) (Collier, 36)

After the 2nd half began, the away side seemed content with their 2-goal margin and looked to coast to victory and return to Yorkshire with a spot in the hat for the next round. They did however create one meaningful chance early in the half, from yet another dangerous cross from the flanks. This time it was from the left-hand side to the back post but Hemsworth’s Nash Connolly could only skew his volley wide.

Although they were down by 2, Town continued to look dangerous in attack with Neil Weaver, who replaced injured Thomas Potter early on, Joel Douglas and Matty Smith combining well. However, as has been the story of the season so far, Town were unable to find the final killer ball to unlock the defence.

With 7 minutes to go, St Helens were given a ray of hope, Neil Weaver was allowed far too much space at the edge of the area, he pulled the trigger but his shot was saved by Jacob Collier. The save only found Joel Douglas who was on hand to ensure a grandstand finish, a goal in which Town’s play deserved.

After this, Town showed the urgency to add to their tally that had eluded them throughout the previous 83 minutes. As the game entered stoppage time, Town received multiple corners in which goalkeeper Adam Fairchild surged upfield to take his place amongst the attackers. Yet his attempts were in vain but Town came close to forcing extra time as a last gasp effort struck the Hemworth upright as the visitors hung on to claim a spot in the next round.

FT: St Helens Town (Douglas, 83) 1 – 2 Hemsworth Miners Welfare (Daniels, 29) (Collier, 36)