ERIC IDLE v LONGITUDE "0" IN THE VASE FINAL

If you dip into the FA Vase results this weekend you will come across four clubs who have very different histories.

South Shields FC-you all know where that is don't you?- have just obliterated Coleshill Town from the Midlands 6-1 on aggregate. 2-1 up after the first leg, they notched a 4-0 victory at home at Mariners Park. South Shields FC dates back to 1889 as a football club playing "casually" and they were not affiliated to the FA until 1905. The club existed as South Shields Athletic fron 1897, then were known as South Shields Adelaide (heavens knows why?) and applied to the Football League in 1913 but received no votes, so were not elected. After the Great War they joined the Football League Division 2 in 1919, were relegated to the Third Division North in 1928 but folded in 1930 when 7th on the Division-what a waste!. They were "taken over by Gateshead. The name Shields comes from Schele whihc means a small settlement where fishermen live. Famous old boy? Eric Idle......

Coleshill Town FC has played football since 1885 when local tailor, Alfred Dabbs supplied dark navy blue shirts, white knickbockers and blue and white caps. They were known by the nickname "Rabbits" because their hospitality after a game was usually a delicious rabbit pie. In 1894 they were formerly founded and joined the Midland Combination in 1967. If you happen to know your Midland football, then Gary Shaw (Aston Villa) came from the club as did Danny Hagen ,who went to Wolves in 1970. The club has motored on in the Midland League Premier but were soundly beaten on Saturday.

The other semi-final saw Bromsgrove Sporting lose to Cleethorpes Town 2-1. The club was formed in 2009 and play in the Midland Combination Division One. The previous club was Bromsgrove Rovers that had to be "bought out" from administration by supporters in 2009.

Cleethorpes Town FC have reached the final at Wembley. Founded in 1998 "The Owls" were established as the Lincolnshire Soccer School Lucarlys, joining the County League, they transferred their allegiance to various other leagues until most recently they won promotion to the Northern Counties East League Premier in 2014. At the moment they are top of the league. So the seaside town is getting revved up to play on Non-League Day, 21st May at Wembley, a great venue for the FA Vase.
Fact...the town lies ON the GREENWICH MERIDIAN and is one fo the "driest" sites in the country.

Of course Grimsby Town play IN Cleethorpes at Blundell Park.