FA Vase final: Newport Pagnell Town romp to victory at Wembley

3-0

Barnes 19, Shepherd 54, 63 (pen)

Newport Pagnell Town finally found Littlehampton Town's Tipping Point – all thanks to namesake host Ben Shepherd.

The midfield maestro netted two second-half goals to follow Kieran Barnes' first-half blockbuster to help his side to Buildbase glory at Stadium at the expense of Littlehampton Town.

It was no more than the Green Army deserved for a polished display in stifling the free-scoring champions, who had scored over 130 goals in the league alone this year.

And at the other end they were ruthless, giving their 7,000 travelling fans plenty to cheer in the Spring sunshine.

For Littlehampton, it proved a tough day, especially after player/boss George Gaskin was stretchered off with what looked like a serious head injury just before half time.

Arguably, they started the stronger with Lucas Pattenden curling an effort just high of Martin Conway's goal, but Newport Pagnell soon found their feet and conjured up the first big chance of the match, Danny Webb given the freedom of the right flank to cut inside and fire an angled effort on target but Littlehampton keeper James , although, wrong-footed, did well to palm it away for a corner.

Only an excellent cover tackle from Littlehampton's Lewis Jenkins in denying Jake Watkinson a shooting chance kept the teams on level terms but only until the 19th minute with one of the finest goals you'll see at Wembley this year.

Shepherd's deep corner was only half-cleared by Jordan Clark to the left channel 25 yards out where Kieran Barnes let fly with a stunning volley which beat Binfield on route to the top corner – his 12th goal of the season.

Littlehampton dug deep in response with wide man Pattenden and 59-goal striker Joe Benn the main source of threat, but Newport Pagnell were organised in defence and looked comfortable – centre-backs Jordan Wright and Alfie Powell colossal.

Gaskin's departure, following an innocuous clash with Mo Ahmed, clearly hurt the Marigolds and Newport went for the jugular. They should have doubled their lead five minutes into the second half. Another corner from Shepherd found captain Wright unmarked eight yards out but his powerful header was somehow tipped over the bar by Binfield

But, three minutes later, they got the second goal they craved. Webb worked his way into the box from the right, cut back for Watkinson, his miskick led to Jenkins kicking the ball off his own goalkeeper Binfield into the path of Shepherd, who fired home from eight yards out.

Littlehampton boss Mitch Hand made a double substitution to spark a late surge and almost got an immediate response when Dion Jarvis' cutback into the box wasn't cleared by the Newport defence and Benn rifled the rebound against the base of the post.

Newport Pagnell Town's Ben Shepherd (second left) scores their side's second goal of the game during the Buildbase FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture: PA/Alamy

But the tie was all but put to bed on 62 minutes when Watkinson was put clear with two defenders to beat, he twisted inside Jenkins before being taken out from behind by the Littlehampton defender – Shepherd sending Binfield the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Credit to Littlehampton, they kept going to the end – Shay Wiggans heading just wide of the near post from Jenkins' cross, while Webb's shot on the turn suffered the same fate, but Newport's resilience never wilted.

LITTLEHAMPTON (3-1-4-2): Binfield 7; Wiggans 6, Jenkins 6, Clark 6; Layton 6 (Harris 58, 6); Pattenden 7, Humphreys 6 (Herbert 58, 6), Biggs 6, Jarvis 6; Benn 7, Gaskin 6 (Capon 45, 6). Subs not used: Duncan, Garnham, Peake, Packer.

NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (4-2-3-1): Conway 6; Markey 7, Wright 9 (Pryke 73, 7), Powell 8, Sage 7; Smail, 7 Barnes 8 (Ford 68, 6); Webb 7, Ahmed 8, Shepherd 9; Watkinson 7 (Burnside 68, 6). Subs not used: Goodman, Newman, Strong, Lyon.

Ref: Samuel Barrott

Show Your Love With Custom Football Sports Pins

Create custom sports pin badges with a variety of styling options for football or any sporting event hosted by a sports team or local organization to boost team spirit or commemorate a big win. A great way to customize a pin with their own football team's logo. It will grab everyone's attention and is ideal for game day. Whether your kid is just starting his career or has made it to JV, varsity, or college teams, his team will want to have a soccer trade pin they can be proud of. Pinbadges.co support free designing a truly unique pin is a great way to show your spirit or recognize team members, coaches, and volunteers.

Comments are closed.