FC Halifax Town head to Wembley this Sunday for the first time in their history and manager Jim Harvey is adamant his side can upset the odds and claim a famous victory in The FA Trophy Final.
The Shaymen’s disappointing National League campaign culminated in relegation to the National League North last month.
But in the Trophy Harvey’s side have seen off all before them – including dramatic wins over Gateshead and Nantwich Town in the quarters and semis – to set up a clash with Grimsby Town.
FC Halifax Town v Grimsby
The FA Trophy Final
4.15pm, Sunday 22 May 2016
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
£25 adults, £10 OAPs/students, £1 U16s
Live on BT Sport
The Mariners, in stark contrast to Halifax, know Wembley very well and just last weekend returned to the Football League with victory in the play-off final.
But while the bookies have Grimsby as strong favourites, Harvey insists the Shaymen’s relegation is now behind them and they are dreaming of history.
“Relegation was a huge disappointment but that’s life and that’s football,” he said.
“We licked our wounds for a few days but what better way to get out of those doldrums than with a trip to Wembley?
“The lads are bubbling up nicely, there is a real bounce around the place again and we are looking forward to getting there.
“Halifax have not been to Wembley before in their history – that is over 100 years, so this is a big day.
“Grimsby have just qualified for the Football League. They are a massive club. I have been to watch them recently and they are a very good side.
“Congratulations to them on their achievement but we will go down to Wembley expecting to win. That is the only way for us to approach it.”
Grimsby Town celebrate promotion to the Football League
The two league meetings this season between the sides make for interesting reading as Grimsby smashed the Shaymen 7-0 at home but then Harvey’s side turned the tables in February with a 4-2 win.
Harvey, who only took over in December, knows better than most how special it is to play at Wembley and how the occasion can pass you by if you let it.
He was part of the Tranmere Rovers side that won the Football League Trophy in 1990 and his managerial career with the likes of Forest Green and Morecambe have also taken in trips to the home of football.
And the Northern Irishman is confident his boys are ready to produce their best when it counts the most and make history for the club.
“I have been there with nearly every club I have been in charge of so I know that these Wembley days are over in a flash,” added the 58-year-old.
“We will be working with the lads to make sure they get the most out of it.
“We have to forget about relegation now, it’s gone. Now it is all about the final which is a tremendous achievement for the club.
“Just as I came into the club, I think it was a first or second game since I came and we went to Grimsby and they beat us 7-0 – they were superb on the day.
“But they came here in February and we put four past them so we will take a lot of confidence with that result in our locker. We will go out there looking to get a result.”
