Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s Will Sendel
South Normanton Athletic booked their place in the next round of the FA Vase with a 3-0 win over Blackstones.
The Shiners dominated from the first minute, coming close to an immediate goal. George Morris picked out Billy Whitehead down the right, but his cross was gathered by Max Peverell in the opposing net.
Moments later, a heavy challenge from Stones defender Harry Peasgood forced Marc Bright off with a toe injury. Speaking after the match, the Shiners’ manager Lee Fletcher speculated that he “might have broken his toes”, but the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed.
South Normanton continued to dictate the tempo and were handed a chance to break the deadlock when Jamie Short was judged to have fouled Jordan Macaskill in the box. It wasn’t to be, with Josh Scully’s tame penalty saved by Peverell who denied Whitehead from the follow-up.
The first half looked destined to end level until Whitehead, who was a thorn in Blackstones’ side throughout the match, opened the scoring. Sam Kelly sent a delicious ball into the winger’s path, who drilled his strike at the inside of the post to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Two minutes later, the pair combined again. This time it was Whitehead that assisted, slipping Kelly through. The striker made no mistake, coolly curling the ball home and doubling the lead going into half time.
Blackstones began the second half with renewed vigour, carving out a number of chances that looked likely to get them back into the contest.
The Stones’ attacking pressure came at a price, with Whitehead threading the ball through the opposition’s sparse defence. Kelly took possession, drove forwards and finished low to seal his brace and confirm the Shiners’ place in the next round.
Lee Fletcher was delighted with his team’s performance.
“It was a deserved result. They’re a good side but we’ve played some really good football, got the goals and defended really well. I’m proud of the lads for what they’ve achieved today.”
Aside from the rampant attacking play, Fletcher was quick to praise the defensive performance.
“Everybody wants to score goals, but to keep a clean sheet against a side like that speaks for itself. It’s so important. It gives our defenders a lot more confidence, and hopefully we can keep that going.”
Attention will now turn to the league, with South Normanton Athletic set to take on Clipstone in the UCL Division 1 next Wednesday (27th August).
After the game Will Sendel spoke to South Normanton Athletic boss Lee Fletcher – Listen to his thoughts below
