The weather finally eased and I was able to make it to Sandygate Road to see the delayed last 16 game of the FA Vase between Hallam and Lincoln United. Hallam 13th in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, trying to make it two from that league in the quarter final draw, were up against high flying Lincoln United, second in the United Counties Premier Division North.

Sheffield had been busy to drive through to this North Weestern part of the city. There seemed to be students everywhere with a notice on the Parkway’s electronic board indicating something that was on. Sheffield with its two Universities and a large Furher Education College have circa 100 000 students which has replaced a similar number of steel workers when the industry was in its prime. How times change.

The day was grey with little wind and 10 degrees but there was a dampness in the air. The pitch at this iconic football ground slopes steeply from one end to the other and the recent rain made the pitch look muddy and heavy. There was a large crowd of 1287 who were packed into the three sides as the fourth side is open to the cricket pitch.

The programmes had all sold out but luckily having managed to find a space in the seated stand some team sheets were passed out. Hallam being such a well organised club have these sponsored.

Hallam FC 2 Lincoln United FC 2

Hallam Football Club, Sandgate Road, Crosspool, Sheffield, S10 5SE

Saturday 17th February 2024, 15.00 pm kick off FA Vase Fifth Round (Last 16 )

Hallam; Royal Blue shirts and shorts: Lincoln United; White shirts and shorts with orange piping.

Hallam 13th in the Northern Counties East League, Premier Division v Lincoln United 2ndin the United Counties Premier Division North.

Hallam kicked downhill in the first half but it was Lincoln that took the initiative, looking solid at the back and mobile across the front. Hallam did have some chances yet it was Lincoln who took the lead on 26 minutes when Jake Park squeezed the ball in at the far post after an overlap on the left. Jake Park claimed the goal which could well have been touched in by a home defender.

The rain started as Lincoln went in at half time worthy leaders but all changed within 4 minutes of the restart when Brandon Bradbury, later to be named Hallam’s man of the match, marauded, through the midfield and his fierce shot was spilled by Jake Steggles in the Lincoln goal only for Basille Zottos to run on and score.

Not long after Hallam hit the post and the ball was then cleared off the line. The game was now anyone’s, however with 61 minutes gone the referee awarded the visitors a penalty for what looked like a 50-50 innocuous challenge in the penalty area. Tobias Liversidge despatched the penalty with ease sending Hugo Warhurst the wrong way. The driving rain and the muddy pitch could not stop the two protagonists from going full pelt with Hallam piling on the most pressure. Lincoln nearly increased their lead when the ball was cleared off the line after a great save by the goalkeeper.

With 7 minutes left Hallam were awarded a penalty as Iren Wilson was fouled by Mitchell Griffiths close to the goal line. Mitchell Griffiths was sent off and Danny Buttle made no mistake with the spot kick to make it 2-2.

It was all Hallam now as they pushed to take advantage of the extra man and score the winning goal. However Lincoln held out to take the tie to penalties. Hallam would have wished it would have been extra time as their extra man on the leg sapping surface would surely have been a great advantage.

Penalties are always cruel and with Lincoln leading 6.5 with all spot kicks having been converted Brandon Bradbury’s effort was saved by Jack Steggles and Lincoln were through.

A great disappointment for the large home crowd who stayed to cheer their team for their efforts of the day and this years cup run.

As I left I saw a Dad with his arm on his son saying ‘Don’t cry, there’s always next year’, how many time is that said in life.

What a great game, crowd, set up and advert for non-league football.

It almost seems churlish to mention the chips! They were hot, crispy, a nice taste but greasy, leaving a taste in the mouth for some time afterwards and a score of 60.