It is ten years since the first of our three consecutive FA Vase victories and today marks the tenth anniversary of the 5th Round tie when we welcomed Stratford Town on their first ever visit to Hillheads. The tie was eventually played on Saturday 21st February 2009 after wintry weather which had gripped the region, had twice forced the game to be postponed.
After two away ties, it was good to be back on home soil, and a midweek win over Spennymoor was the perfect tonic ahead of a tough game against the in-form Warwickshire side.
Goals from Paul Chow and Chris Fawcett inside the first 25 minutes were enough to seal victory and a place in the Quarter Finals, but Stratford certainly had their moments especially in the second half. We hardly dared whisper it at the time but Wembley was one step closer!
Here is what the two goal scorers remember of the game:
Paul Chow – “After playing away to Bootle in the previous round and coming through a very difficult game and pitch, it was nice to be back home at Hillheads. It’s at this stage where you start dreaming of the possibility of going all the way but you want to take one game at a time still. With the game being postponed twice we knew a home time was available for the winners in the Quarter Final so such a big incentive. We went into the game having just beaten Spennymoor in the league so we were going into it in good form. I can’t remember my goal which is unusual for me so I’m guessing it was a Chow classic from a few yards out. I do recall Fawcett’s great strike though which was a volley from about 25 yards out. One step closer to reaching the final and another goal in that competition that I loved to play in.”
Chris Fawcett – “I remember it being a windy day so Chan & Cuggs told us to shoot at any opportunity (not that Robbo needed any encouragement) I had scored a 35 yarder against Spennymoor a few days before so my confidence was high, so when Belly flicked the ball on from a throw the ball sat up perfectly, I had a glance up and saw the keeper off the line…..it nestled in the top corner, I owe the keeper as he made it look even better than it was. In regards to the game itself, I think it got called off a couple times because of the weather so we were more than ready. I think we were quite comfortable in the game with both goals coming early, I remember Chowy got the other goal (shock!).
Our team was that good that we knew we could beat anyone on our day, still the best team I have played in and I’m sure the other lads will say the same.”
The match report from the archives section of the website together with the photo of man of the match Chris Fawcett about to score his goal of the season contender may bring back a few memories!
