Dudley Town flying high after Vase heroics
Dudley Town have progressed to the second round of the FA Vase for only the third time in their 131-year history.
Matt Lovatt’s men recorded an historic 2-1 extra-time win away at Midland Football League Division One outfit Lichfield City on Saturday.
The game was 0-0 at full-time, but two
extra-time goals handed West Midlands League Premier Division side Dudley the win.
Hinesh Patel put The Robins ahead just four minutes into the first 15 before Jason Hewitt doubled their lead one minute into the second period.
Lichfield pulled a goal back with five minutes remaining to make for a nervous end to the game, but Dudley held on for the victory.
And manager Lovatt was thrilled with the result as he praised his players’ efforts in
extra-time.
“We’re buzzing,” he said. “It’s my first time with the FA Vase so to have made history is great.
“We’re hoping that we’re repaying the faith the club showed us when we got the job, what a way to make the history books.
“We’ve gone and watched Lichfield before the game and thought we were all wrong for them in a way. We dealt with the pressure well. The players didn’t let the emotion get to their heads, they were professional.
“It was quite a nervy end, but we held on. I’m really happy with my players and their fitness in extra-time. I felt we were due a bit of luck and we got it. I’m ecstatic.”
Dudley now travel to face Counties Premier Division side Wellingborough Town in the second round on November 2 and Lovatt insists his team will go there full of confidence.
“They are a step above in the leagues, but the players are confident,” he added. “They show no fear, we’ll be going into the game thinking we can win it.”
Midland Football League Premier Division side Walsall Wood also bagged a 2-1 extra-time success away to Leicester Road, a side one division lower than them.
The clash ended 0-0 with Wood taking the lead in the first added 15 minutes through a Mitch Tolley penalty. The hosts equalised in the 118th minute, but Max Loveridge then popped up with a late winner.
Walsall will face the winner of Shawbury and Uttoxeter Town. Lye Town have been drawn at home to Droitwich Spa while Sporting Khalsa welcome Quorn.
In the Midland League Premier, Tividale lost 3-0 at Romulus.
