Few people would claim that a life-changing stroke was the best thing that ever happened to them, but Billingham Town defender Matt Crossen says the last three years have been the most incredible of his life.
The 26-year-old will line up against Bottesford Town in The Buildbase FA Vase Third Round on Saturday, just two months after competing for Team GB at the Paralympic Games. Crossen suffered a stroke aged 23 which left him with restricted mobility down his left-hand side, and doctors advised him to give up football.
But the former Marske United full-back got himself fit and was selected by the England Cerebral Palsy squad for the 2015 World Championships before joining Billingham this summer, where he is keen to play a starring role.
“It is weird to say but in a way the stroke is the best thing which happened to me because it has allowed me to see the world and play football at the highest level,” the delivery driver said. “It has got me where I am now. It is a massive game for the club on Saturday and I can’t wait for it. I have loved every minute and the lads have welcomed me with open arms, the FA Vase run is just the icing on the cake.
“I thought I would not play again but I have a new lease of life – I enjoy playing again. Family and football is my life.
“Having a World Championships in England was amazing and then being involved in the Paralympics for Team GB magnified it by ten – it was another planet.
“The culture out there was breathtaking – how they prepared for us and welcomed us was amazing.”
Billingham have enjoyed a steady start to the season as they sit seventh in the Ebac Northern League Division Two but will enter Saturday’s match against Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Bottesford as underdogs.
Crossen added: “If we got to Wembley that would be amazing – it is a dream and would complete an incredible couple of years. I might write a book.”
FA Vase history
Billingham’s best FA Vase run came in 1997-98, when they beat Bodmin Town 3-1 to reach the fifth round – where they were knocked out 2-0 by Spalding United. They have reached the fourth round on four occasions since. Bottesford Town have already gone further in the competition than ever before, having previously never gone beyond the second round.
One to watch
Striker Craig Hutchinson was Billingham’s top scorer last season, and he has continued his excellent form so far this year. The technically-gifted former Hartlepool FC player scored five times as Billingham beat Whickham AFC last weekend.
Did you know?
Former Manchester United star Gary Pallister started his career at Billingham. Middlesbrough bought the centre-back from the club and he went on to enjoy a 17-year professional career, winning 22 England caps.
The Prize
The winning team will progress through to the Fourth Round, and pocket £975.
