Consett 2-1 Trafford
The FA Carlsberg Vase 
Third Round Proper
Saturday 29 December 2007
Winning clubs receive £1,200
Click here for the results

Consett booked their place in the Fourth Round of The FA Vase with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Trafford at Belle Vue Park.

All three previous attempts to play the Third Round tie had fallen victim to the weather in County Durham, and despite a deluge of sleet just hours before kick-off, the sun made an appearance and smiled on the North-East side.

The match promised to be a cup classic, with both sides flying high in their respective league campaigns.

Despite the attacking flair on offer it took until the 30th minute for the deadlock to be broken, Matthew Moffat keeping a cool head to edge the hosts in front.

With the defences on top for much of the first-period, Consett looked to be going in to half-time only one goal ahead.

However, their lead was doubled on the stroke of half-time due to the misfortune of Trafford defender Andy Maclean.

Mark Patterson had stolen in to the Trafford penalty box and his effort sliced in off the defender to gift the hosts a two-goal lead at the interval.

Trafford had little to show for their first-half endeavours and began the second-half with much more purpose, but were unable to make the breakthrough against a stubborn Consett rearguard until the 81st minute.

Scott Barlow, who had been the visitors’ biggest threat for much of the afternoon, tucked the ball away to set up a nervy climax.

But the hosts clung on for an impressive win against the North West Counties League Division One leaders.

And club Secretary David Pike admits they are hoping for more favourable conditions for their Fourth Round tie against Wessex Premier leaders Poole Town on the Dorset coast: “We are looking for warmer weather, that’s for sure,” he said.

“I thought our boys were brilliant. Today was a nice victory for the North-East over the North-West.”

“We have not had it easy on this cup run and this will be a big challenge. But credit to Trafford this afternoon, they had a strong midfield and always looked dangerous.”