Hemsworth Miners Welfare boss Wayne Benn
Hemsworth Miners Welfare can make history in the FA Vase tomorrow – and ensure Wayne Benn has a good night out on the town.
The Toolstation NCEL Division One leaders face a titanic battle with Northern League giants West Auckland Town in Fitzwilliam.
A home win would put Hemsworth into the hat for the second round for the first ever time in their history,
The clash has also set up a surprise reunion for Benn, who said: “I have a few contacts in the North East and bizarrely I used to play Sunday morning football with one of their coaching staff.
“I used to play for the Travellers Inn in South Kirby and our goalkeeper was Phil Laverick, who is now on West Auckland’s coaching staff.
“He was born in the North East and then lived in South Kirby for years before moving back up there.
“Since the draw he added me on Facebook and we have been messaging each other since. It is bizarre what football can throw up.
“It will be good to see him again and we’re trying to get a few of the old Travellers to the game and then make a night of it.
“Hopefully we will have won and I can have a good drink and wind him up all night.”
The task facing Hemsworth is massive as West Auckland Town were runners-up in the competition in 2012 and 2014.
West Auckland were one of the favourites to reach Wembley last season until Hemsworth striker Shane Kelsey put pay to that with two goals in Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s shock win in the North East.
The experience of Kelsey will be vital tomorrow, but Benn is under no-illusions about the challenge.
“The FA Vase itself is a big competition for any club at this level,” he added.
“We have probably pulled one of the bigger ties out of the hat.
“I know West Auckland might not be the team they once were because their league position suggests there has been a change around of players.
“However, what people fail to recognise at Northern Counties East League level is that the Northern League is a hell of a standard because there is a lot of money flying around.
“I am paying no attention to league tables and it will be a real test for our boys.
“It is one they should look forward to and we can measure ourselves from it. If we play to capabilities we have every chance.
“It has all the ingredients for a good game. We are probably the underdogs because they have been finalists for two years out of the last five.”