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Outfield player Alex Hales takes over in goal as Newark Town reach the FA Vase second round for the first time by winning at Belper United

05:00, 25 October 2024

History-making Newark Town reached the FA Vase second round for the first time on Saturday - despite finishing with an outfield player in goal!

Having had their 14-game unbeaten run ended by a 3-0 United Counties League Premier Division North defeat at Heanor Town last Wednesday, Newark looked on course to beat Belper United as attacker Sean Woolley put them ahead in the first-round tie.

Alex Hales (blue), pictured in outfield action, took over in goal for Newark Town in the FA Vase on Saturday. Picture: David Dawson
Alex Hales (blue), pictured in outfield action, took over in goal for Newark Town in the FA Vase on Saturday. Picture: David Dawson

But a dramatic second-half twist saw goalkeeper Josh Wilson unable to continue after he had made a double save, with substitute Alex Hales donning the gloves.

While Belper substitute Samuel Birks struck in the 79th minute, skipper Luke Andersen bundled in a stoppage-time winner to send the Blues through 2-1.

Manager Luke Parsons said: “The club has never got to this round in their history, so it’s a proud moment to be in charge of that bit of history.

“The game itself was a tight affair. We pressed very well in the first half and they were restricted to a lot of long-range chances, really.

“We certainly had the better chances in the first half and it was great to get the goal just before half-time, which always changes the team-talk a little bit.

“They went for it a bit more in the second half, especially with Alex in goal after Josh got injured, making a double save. He’s done it one or two times before but Panda’s not a proper keeper.

“For their equaliser, I thought there was a foul, but it wasn’t given.

“With the keeper situation, we then went a little more attacking in the last 10 minutes and we got the winner off the crossbar, with Ando following up.

“Taking everything into consideration on Saturday, as well as after losing last Wednesday night, I felt we were superb.”

Even without a recognised keeper, Parsons felt his side defended stoically for the most part.

He said: “We defended our box really well.

“If they were going to test the keeper, it was going to be with crosses into the box and long-range efforts. They actually nearly scored at the end.

“Panda, the keeper, said he had it covered - I don’t think he did - but the reaction from Wednesday was excellent.”

Asked for an update on Wilson on Monday morning, Parsons replied: “He has to go to hospital (again) to see if it needs to be operated on or not.

“But he has fractured his collarbone. He’s very sore.

“Fingers crossed he doesn’t need an operation and we get an idea on how long he will be out for.”

Town already have another keeper in their ranks in Jake West. However, Parsons is likely to move for another shot-stopper as they wait to see how long they will be without Wilson.

“We have got another keeper,” noted Parsons. “We have got Jake. He’s already covered for Josh when he was on holiday this season before Saturday. But he’s cup-tied in the FA Vase.

“So, it’s looking like we will have to bring someone in to replace Josh because I cannot imagine he will play in a few weeks’ time.”

While Parsons was disappointed to see Newark lose their impressive unbeaten streak at Heanor, he was gracious in defeat.

Parsons reflected: “Wednesday was very disappointing. Going 14 unbeaten, other clubs were very aware of that, but Heanor were absolutely brilliant.

“We just looked a bit leggy. We have gone Saturday-to-Wednesday the last few weeks. Our players, unlike professional players, don't get rest periods. But it’s the same for every team in our league.

“Then, there was the travelling where it’s 1hr20min and even 1hr40min for some on a Wednesday night - but we just didn’t turn up.

“Full credit to Heanor, they were the better team.”

Play-off hopefuls Newark Town have plenty of home matches to look forward to, starting with the visit of strugglers Hucknall Town on Saturday, before Wednesday’s home Sports Ground Development KO Cup clash with Retford United.

But Parsons said: “We don’t take any team for granted because we’re aware of what was expected from us this season and the fact that we’re probably overachieving in many peoples’ eyes.

“We have come up against Hucknall a few times in the last couple of years, including in the cup.

“Although we got back to winning ways on Saturday, that wasn’t in the league.

“The league is our bread and butter. We need to make sure that one to 11 are on it for us.

“If one to 11 are on it, we have proven already we can give anyone a game.”

Newark Town have been drawn at home against Midlands League Premier Division pace-setters Lichfield City in the FA Vase second round on Saturday, November 9.

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