Hemsworth aiming to re-write history

FA Vase

Hemsworth Miners Welfare are aiming to sail into further uncharted water tomorrow.

Unless bad weather prevents them and their huge band of travelling supporters from setting sail, the Wells will attempt to steer themselves past the 2012 winners Dunston UTC.

Reaching the third round for the first time in the club’s history is the main prize – and the prospect will not faze the Wells who have become accustomed to ripping the history books up under Wayne Benn.

“We’d like to progress in the competition, not just for the finance, but because it is another stepping stone for the football club,” Benn told Non League Yorkshire.

“We keep trying to re-write history. Don’t forget that we are a club that was only reformed 30 years ago. We haven’t got the history of a lot of clubs.

“If we can beat Dunston and get through to the next round, fantastic. The 53 seater bus is going to be full and there are more supporters doing in cars so I know the lads will get unbelievable backing.

“But we’re not going just to enjoy a bus ride, we want to perform. Dunston are former winners and they have just changed their management team and have ex-Conference players playing for them.

“It is going to be a very tough game. In 20 years in Non League Football, I’ve never encountered an easy game against a Northern League team.

“We have no fear and if the team that played at Pickering ten days ago turns up then we will have every chance. I’ve total confidence in my players.”

Regardless of the result, getting to the second round still underlines the remarkable journey that Hemsworth have been on under Benn, who gets involved with more than just the first team.

Benn inherited a team that was 16th in the Division One table when he returned for a second stint in charge at the MDC Community Stadium in October 2013

The Division One title has followed and the Wells are currently a top half Premier Division side – and the adventure doesn’t stop there if Benn has his way.

“It has been an unbelievable three years and the difference in the club between when I came back to now is night and day,” he said.

“When I came back the club was in a mess, particularly on the playing side and off it as well. We weren’t in as healthy shape as we would have liked.

“The work that has gone on off-the-pitch and on-the-pitch has been nothing short of phenomenal. That is largely down to the efforts of the committee, the efforts of the people who run the building.

“You can’t do anything with just the efforts of the players, it is a team effort. These three years have flown and I work with great people.

“I do help with organising coaches and sportsman dinners, but I do that because I love the football club and I want us to succeed. I do put myself out, but so do a lot of others.

“Obviously the first team is my main priority and we have made huge strides. I think we are establishing ourselves as a good Premier Division side.

“In a year or two’s time, I would like to think that this club is ready to push forward again.”

It is expected that Dunston will hold a pitch inspection on Saturday morning as more bad weather is forecast.