Hart hails Blazey heroes after advancing in the FA Vase

ST BLAZEY produced an exceptional team performance to achieve a stunning victory over Hellenic League Division One promotion-chasers Wantage Town at Alfredian Park on Saturday.

Young striker and top-scorer Kai Burrell took his season’s total to 17 in all competitions with two second half goals after Tallan Mitchell had given Blazey an early lead.

Wantage, who had won all 11 games so far at home, never gave up and their second goal set up a nervous finale with a penalty-shootout looming but, led by a man-of-the-match contribution from midfield man Charlie Hambly, Blazey held on.

Manager Dan Hart described the match as ‘such a great advert for an incredible competition’.

He said: “I think because we have come into the FA Vase at an early stage, this was our fourth contest and for some of the Western League sides only their first or second perhaps.

“We have had a chance to get into a nice rhythm and understanding of the differences that these cup games present, particularly now that there is no extra-time and no replays.

“In truth, we played very well. From an attacking perspective we were brave, showed a lot of quality and perhaps should have scored more goals. However, that probably wouldn’t fairly represent what a good side we faced.

“A fantastic club, a top 3G facility and some top players in a Step Six side that I’d imagine will be promoted this season comfortably.

“They were physical, a constant threat from set-plays, and in Callum Crook their number nine they had a forward who was constantly testing the last line with clever movements.

“I’m a very proud leader of this team and club. To have that many supporters travel for four hours to support this team, some of them had even stayed overnight pre-match, what a club to be a part of.

“As a playing group we need to continue to learn lessons, improving and building togetherness.

“The goals we did score yesterday, particularly in the second half, were right out of the top drawer, with combination play, pace and a technical security I love to see in the attacking part of my teams.

“I’m over the moon to be in the draw on Monday, there are a lot of local tests as well as many less familiar ones. Let’s see what the hat presents us with.”

Blazey made a dream start to the tie with Mitchell firing home in the ninth minute and they missed some good opportunities to increase their lead before half-time which might have proved costly.

But seven minutes into the second half they were 2-0 ahead through Burrell, who caused the Wantage defence problems all afternoon.

Tom Griffiths pulled a goal back after 64 minutes, but Blazey continued to look threatening and when Burrell restored their two-goal advantage 12 minutes later it looked like game over.

Cup football is never quite that straightforward, though, and Griffiths’ second goal in the 83rd minute set up a tense finale with both teams aware that if it was level at 90 minutes a penalty shootout would decide the outcome.

But Blazey held on to spark wild celebrations between players, coaches and the travelling support.

ST BLAZEY: Kyle Moore; Harry Blows, Jack Calver (capt), Charlie Hambly, Jordan Bentley, Aaron Bentley, Olly Redd, Ben Fowles, Kai Burrell, Tallan Mitchell, Cam Hutchison. Subs: Will Tinsley, Teigan Rosenquest, Todd Hanrahan, Mac Dewsnap (gk).

St Blazey man-of-the-match: Charlie Hambly.