Wembley Awaits Today For Aldershot And Spennymoor
Two of the possible FA Trophy showmen have had their say ahead of the final on Sunday as the excitement builds.
Aldershot Town - followed to Wembley by 18,000 supporters - play Spennymoor Town, who are looking to create history after winning the FA Vase under the Arch 12 years ago.
It’s National League v National League North, but we’ve seen plenty of lower ranking clubs come out ion top in recent seasons.
Remember Hornchuch in 2021? Perhaps Brackley Town three years before? Failing that, you can’t have forgotten about little North Ferriby United beating now-Championship Wrexham a decade ago?
Status counts for nothing, and Spennymoor Town have a player who their fans reckon wants it more than anyone.
The Moors don’t care much for reputation. They beat Rochdale AFC 5-4 on penalties to secure their place having won at Sutton United the round before.
Free-scoring Glen Taylor is a striker-turned-supporter and says the club will be very much a part of his life long after he’s hung up those boots which have been laced with gunpowder since he arrived in 2017.
“Winning the FA Trophy would be perfect, and a real dream come true,” he told the BBC ahead of the final.
“Spennymoor Town is my team, it means absolutely everything to me. That’s why I have never left and why I’ll never leave.
“I’ll end my career here and ideally be part of the club for years to come in whatever role that might be.”
While Spennymoor have skittled National League clubs aside to get to Wembley, it’s doubtful any upset would have sparked the type of celebration seen at Aldershot when they defeated rivals Woking.
James Henry's penalty and Jack Barham's late header almost brought that trusty military roof down at the EBB and Josh Barrett accepts everyone will expect the Shots to be the ones lifting silverware come 6pm.
“All I'll ask is everyone just enjoy it,” the attacking midfielder told BBC Radio Surrey. "Let us take the pressure. We're the ones who've got to play and I don't mind a bit of pressure.
“I can deal with that personally and I'm sure the lads will. Let's enjoy it together and take everything in.
"You've got an opportunity to go and play somewhere where everyone dreams of playing. Anyone from this country, for sure you want to play there. It may not ever happen again.”
Where next?
