County hails historic Morpeth Town Wembley win

Northumberland County Council has hailed Morpeth Town's stunning victory in the FA Vase Final at Wembley yesterday.
Morpeth Town fans gather in the Market Place to welcome back their heroes from the FA Vase triumph at Wembley. Picture by Jane ColtmanMorpeth Town fans gather in the Market Place to welcome back their heroes from the FA Vase triumph at Wembley. Picture by Jane Coltman
Morpeth Town fans gather in the Market Place to welcome back their heroes from the FA Vase triumph at Wembley. Picture by Jane Coltman

Morpeth beat Hereford FC 4-1 in what was the seventh time a Northern League side has won the FA Vase in just eight years – sparking jubilant scenes in the capital and the county.

Despite going behind after 75 seconds, Morpeth Town ran out comfortable winners in the end and chalked up a record of their own in the process when 45-year-old Chris Swailes became the oldest player ever to score in a Wembley final when he grabbed the equaliser on 34 minutes.

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Thousands of fans travelled from Morpeth to Wembley for the final, while millions more watched the match live on TV and pubs and clubs across Morpeth were packed out with supporters.

Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, who was at the game said: “We are so proud of everyone connected with the club – from the team, through to the management and chairman.

“It was an epic result for all those involved, the town of Morpeth and the county of Northumberland. Morpeth may have been the underdogs but they have shown what skill, determination and pride can achieve.

“Hereford fans well outnumbered the Morpeth crowd but we made sure our voices were heard and when I think where the club was just a couple of years ago, it really is unbelievable.”

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“They’ve had fantastic support from the North East media too throughout their campaign and it’s great to see the club and the town well and truly in the spotlight. It is totally deserved.”

Val Tyler, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, added: “We have so many things to be proud of in Northumberland and this is the latest good news for the county.

“We want to send our congratulations to everyone involved. Morpeth Town have maintained the North East’s great record in this competition and there’s been such a buzz around the place.

“It really is a fantastic achievement for the team and the town.”