Sholing win FA Vase with Wembley victory

Sholing celebrated a dream day at Wembley by winning the FA Vase.

Dave Diaper’s men became only the second Southampton side to win one of the three major FA trophies after Saints in 1976 as they defeated West Auckland 1-0.

With a team made up of ten Southampton born players, Sholing were brave and strong at the home of football and deservedly picked up the Vase.

The game itself was settled by a slightly fortuitous goal as Marvin McLean cut in from the left and saw a shot deflect up off West Auckland defender Lewis Galpin and loop over the keeper and into the far corner.

It sent the thousands who travelled up from Southampton to support the team into raptures.

West Auckland also found Sholing goalkeeper Matt Brown in inspired form.

It was a tight a tense first half.

West Auckland had a great chance on five minutes as John Campbell was played in on goal by Dennis Knight only for Brown to make the save.

Lee Wort and McLean had half chances for Sholing before Brown made saves from Shaun Vipond and Robert Briggs to keep it goalless at half time.

After a heavy rain shower at the break which caused slippery conditions the second half was a more lively affair.

Tyronne Bowers went close from 40 yards while at the other end Mattie Moffat blazed over from ten yards out.

After McLean gave Sholing the lead it was over to Brown again who made three good saves, the pick of which was turning Knight’s superb free kick over the bar.

There was a heart stopping moment for Sholing two minutes into stoppage time as Galpin's header rattled the woodwork but went wide.

On the final whistle the players and fans celebrated together as Sholing made history on their big day.