Causeway boss defends decision to play Mark Bellingham in FA Vase

Nov 21 2009 by Nick Pullen, Birmingham Mail

CARL Burley has defended the decision to play Leamington striker Mark Bellingham in Causeway United’s FA Vase triumph over Newcastle Town this week.

Causeway drafted in the prolific Southern League Premier marksman who responded by scoring a pressure penalty as Causeway went through 3-2.

Burley claimed: “We needed to bring in another striker as I was under the impression that both Danny Jones and Stuart How would be unavailable, which only left me with Duncan Willetts as a recognised front-runner.

“As it happened, Stuart How was able to play after telling me he would be away and had no problem going on the bench.

“I had spoken to Mark Bellingham in the summer after Leamington won promotion to the Southern Premier because I was aware travelling had been a problem for him.

“He chose to stay at Leamington, but a loophole in the rules allows him to play in both the FA Trophy and Vase.

“I know some people have given us a bit of flak for playing Mark, but Stratford Town did exactly the same to us when they brought in Anthony Robinson.

“He scored twice and helped knock us out of the Vase. I don’t recall him playing again for Stratford that season but you don’t hear anyone complaining about that!

“As for the penalty itself, Duncan Willetts was down to take it. Mark said he would be willing to take it so Duncan handed him the ball. There wasn’t a problem.”