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Stunner scored in first FA Vase Final for both clubs

A stunner was scored in the first FA Vase Final for both clubs with the opening wonder goal dubbed amazing at any level.

This season’s showpiece saw Newport Pagnell Town of the United Counties League Premier Division come up against Littlehampton Town, who won promotion from the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division this season to the Isthmian League.

Before the match got underway, let’s hear from some of the key figures from each club as they look to one of the biggest moments in their history.

MANAGERS AND PLAYERS SAID

Gary Flinn – Newport Pagnell

“It probably wasn’t something we were expecting at the beginning of the season. We thought we could have a decent run but getting to the Final has been brilliant for the football club and the town.

“We said after each game that we had one more game to go and we thought we could do better. It’s been a brilliant achievement.

“It would be one of the biggest achievements if Newport could win the Vase. All we know about Littlehampton Town is that they’re favourites. They’ve scored the most goals at step five in the whole country, so they are used to winning, they’ve won the league, they’re in cup finals. We know it’s going to be the toughest one that we’ve had so far, so they’re slight favourites. If they’re not the best side at step five this season, they’re definitely up there.

“Even though I’m getting a bit old now, it’s every person or football player’s dream to walk out at Wembley.

“It’s got to be an enjoyable day, but the players will be nervous and it’s trying to get them channelling their nerves in the right way. This is something to look forward to and show off with. They deserve to be here because they won the games to get here. They’ve got to show their skills, show themselves off.”

Mitchell Hand – Littlehampton Town

“It’s surreal to think we’re in the Buildbase FA Vase Final. I’ve watched highlights from Finals of years gone by and to think it’s going to be us is crazy. I don’t think any manager at our level in the country sets out to win the Vase, you talk about having a good run, but to win it is a one-in-a-million shot.

“This competition is absolutely huge. The support we’ve gained through our Vase run is massive for the club going forward. Our attendances have absolutely skyrocketed, so it’s huge for the club financially, puts the club on the map, and it’s such a romantic competition. Reaching the Final probably won’t happen again in our lifetime so we’re just enjoying it.”

Jake Watkinson – Newport Pagnell Town

“It’s a massive achievement for the club. The team itself is as one and I think that’s why we’ve got here. We win and lose together. It’s such a great vibe and everyone gets on with each other. We all want the best out of everyone.

“Now it’s getting closer, you feel a bit of pressure. No one wants to get injured but it’s all exciting. You see it all on Twitter and the more people you speak to you find out the amount of people I know that are going to watch the game. That day at Wembley will be so special for the club, for the team, for everyone involved.

“I know it’s at Wembley but it’s to play football. We know we’ve got what it takes. We’ve got to the Final so we just have to back ourselves.

“We haven’t had a great season in the league, the Vase means we’ve got this one game to say, ‘look what we’ve achieved’.

“It’s every boy’s dream to play at Wembley, so to say you’ve won a trophy there, moments like that will live with me forever. It will be a dream come true.

“This is the place everyone thinks about, you see how big it is on telly and all the important games played there, the EUROs were there. I’ll be playing on the pitch that all these world class players are playing on – it’s a joke!”

Joe Benn – Littlehampton Town

“It’s been a crazy journey. It’s unbelievable, and how it’s grown throughout the season in terms of support. We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for the fans.

“For the club, for the town, it would be absolutely unbelievable if we were to win it. I was a school teacher at the Littlehampton Academy for two years, and I know how much it means to the community and how much that’s grown this season.

“It would be life changing for everyone involved. We’ve made history already for ourselves, there’s no reason why we can’t push that little bit more.

“Winning the league already was massive for us. If you said at the start of the season that’s all you would have, I’d have ripped your hand off. Now we’re playing at the home of football, where experienced professionals at top levels don’t even end up playing. You’ve got the likes of a school teacher or a painter and decorator playing there, it’s the craziest thing and has to be at the top.

“You’re playing at the home of football, that’s going to play a part and I do think a big factor of the end result will be about which team deals with the occasion best. We’re not going to approach the game differently and we’re going to do everything we can to manage it.”

–

Without further ado, this is how the grand final played out…

3 mins:
A rather even start with Littlehampton’s Lucas Pattenden having the first effort on goal, cutting onto his left foot but sent his effort over the top.

4 mins:
Newport’s Kieran Barnes sent an in-swinger but it’s was easy for the keeper to gather.

6 mins:
Decent play from Newport with Danny Webb starting a move on the right, only for Shepherd and Smail to produce chances which didn’t challenge Littlehampton’s James Binfield.

8 mins:
Another Newport corner, however it was he whipped to the far post and headed over.

13 mins:
Christian Smail went in rather recklessly on Tom Biggs to hand Littlehampton a free-kick in a dangerous area. It disappointed however, from 20 yards it hit the wall.

15 mins:
Dion Jarvis ran down the Littlehamton left, got away from Lewis Markey, though sent hit effort low drive and across goal for Newport keeper Martin Conway to easily save

16 mins: An important tackle was produce by Lewis Jenkins with Jake Watkinson muscling the defender out the way and looked to strike the ball, but got a vital leg to the ball just as the Newport striker looked to aim and fire, only for it to go out for a corner, then an easy save off the back of it.

19 mins:
Kieran Barnes opened the scorner, putting Newport ahead, and he won’t forget that one in a hurry.

Ben Shepherd sent in a corner before it was headed clear and ended up at the feet of Barnes on the edge of the box who then put his foot through the ball and the left-footed volley flies past Binfield and into the top corner to really stun everyone. How about that for not just the first goal of the game but his first at Wembley and in a big final.

23 mins:
Newport avoided danger from Littlehampton’s corner with Watkinson and Barnes racing ahead with the ball, only for the goal-scorer to put in a bad pass and Binfield claimed the ball

27 mins:
Tackles got more passionate, with the referee letting them go by, Mo Ahmed thought he should’ve had a free kick, then Watkinson and Biggs thought they deserved something when challenging each other, while then Smail also got in a perfect tackle on Joe Benn to stop him in the edge of the Newport box.

30 mins:
Barnes, who is having quite the game so far, sent a ball to Watkinson who got his run right, but the striker drags his effort wide.

38 mins:
Medical staff had to rush onto the field of play with Newport’s Mo Ahmed clashing heads but coming off the better with Littlehampton player George Gaskin leaving on a stretcher

Play continued before the half time whistle blew with Kieran Barnes’ stunner separating the sides, Newport on top.

The second half now and an early free-kick was put behind by Newport for a corner. Again that was dealt with but will be more alert with Littlehampton coming out more lively.

Before you knew it, Newport Pagnell went 2-0 up on the 54th minute with Ben Shepherd scoring from close range before the team pulled off a brilliant synchronised knee slide on the hallowed Wembley turf as can be seen below…

Ben Shepherd then made it 3-0 to Newport Pagnell from the penalty spot halfway through the second half to seal the win having looked comfortable for much of the game.

Just minutes after hitting the post, Littlehampton were looking to get one back, however Jake Watkinson was taken out as he made his way into the box. Shepherd netted his second of the afternoon, this time with a cool penalty, sending Binfield the wrong way.

They played the rest of the game with ease, a Newport penalty claim was turned down, but they didn’t care all too much, going on to be were worthy winners, lifting up the FA Vase trophy.

Fans reacted as a stunner was scored in the first FA Vase Final for both clubs while both teams can come off the back of this proud…

ON NEWPORT PAGNELL

@cpnewton86: Congratulations, played your hearts out and thoroughly deserved the result! Can’t wait for the victory parade 😎😁

@AndyGardner81: Amazing! Congratulations guys, absolutely bossed it.

@Ajs1961Andy: Congratulations @nptfc from @CleeTownFC fan. Fantastic advert for non league football and that opening goal is one of the best to grace Wembley 🙌. From an Owls fan to the Swans ⚽️🦉🦢😎

@lifeofdangeorge: Unbelievable achievement 👏 congratulations to all 🙌

@markstephenson2: Congratulations! Well deserved on the day and over the season.

@RothwellCFC: Remarkable achievement.! Huge congratulations from everyone at RCFC. Hope you’ve all got tomorrow off work. ⚽️👏🏆

@jonwilliams606: Well done boys! Enjoyed watching you play @HarbTownFC twice. You are a great team to watch and a top set of fans, too. Enjoy this magnificent achievement!

@FrancoVolpe15: Congratulations @nptfc. Dreams do come true. Milton Keynes is proud of you. Soak it all in.

@markhzll: Possibly the finest I’ve seen Newport play, and what a day for everything to go right. Brilliant, brilliant day. Commiserations to Littlehampton, but congratulations on a fantastic season – and best wishes for a full recovery to George Gaskin.

@Eddie_Mac19: What a hit @barnes_kieran!! Fair play mate! Congratulations to all involved at @nptfc ⚽️

ON LITTLEHAMPTON

@crowsunofficial: Not always about the destination, sometimes it’s about the journey – and what a journey you guys have had. We done on all your achievements this season and good luck in the ISE!

@GaryWhi99094061: Unlucky Littlehampton but well done for getting to the final in the first place. At least the players can say we played at Wembley.

@yates19911: Still did the whole of Sussex proud! Wishing a George a speedy recovery!!

@bevmitchell2801: Bad luck lads, beaten by the better team on the day. Huge achievement to make the final though, so be proud. Best wishes to George Gaskin for a speedy recovery.

@josianewadey: Well played lads! Everyone will be really proud of you all! Hope George is ok. Please post an update asap

@Brightonfan: You have made all of Sussex proud today, don’t be to downhearted. Come back next season and go one further!!

@stevedavies64: @LittlehamptonFC.. very well done from Worthing. I am sure there will be some disappointment (possibly justified) but a day at Wembley and all that goes with it most of us can only dream of.

@LardyArmy: Not to be for @LittlehamptonFC Brilliant season for them but ran out of steam against an impressive Newport Pagnell side. Best wishes to @georgegaskin99 after what looked a nasty head injury.

@lizziothephysio: Undoubtedly it hurts right now, but @LittlehamptonFC should be proud of everything they have achieved this season. Well done to all involved with the club, you represented Sussex well. Hope George is OK; we physios don’t like injured players even at rival clubs. Heal well x

@mimes84: What an experience for you all! The whole of Sussex is proud for you and with you 🥰

@BenTorode4: Hold your head high each & every one of you. Tough game, fair result but be proud of the journey & have a cracking night all of you. Thoughts are with @georgegaskin99

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