18/04/2026
Hebburn win 3-2 on pens to seal their place in the final, third season in a row.
It was a battle of a match as we knew it would be from the start, Hartlepool being a very physical side to play against.
We lined up with a 343 formation, three centre halfs to deal with Hartlepool attackers and a front three of Macca, Harwood and Si Jacobs.
Hebburn started off well as a unit across the pitch, allowing Hartlepool very little space. There was plenty of effort going forward early on but we found it hard to create big chances. David McLaren worked the keeper from a free kick, 25 yards out.
The break through came for the away team, a through ball down Hartlepools left and a finish beat Dolly at the near post.
We came out in the second half on top and reduced Hartlepool to long balls, Danny Robbo and Scotty Maddison running the play through the midfield.
The deserved equaliser came on the hour, good work down Hebburns left hand side. A ball across the box found Si Jacobs in space, great composure and a cool finish got us back on level terms.
A great chance fell to Chris Harwood who was put through by Macca, a left footed shot failed to hit the target.
Full time came after a nervy last 10 minutes and straight to penalties we went. Three top saves from goalkeeper Dolly earned our spot in the final and himself the MOM award.
The final to be played in two weeks, May 2nd at North Shields ground.