Matt Bloomer may never have played at Wembley but the Cleethorpes Town defender will be hoping a previous taste of the national stadium will stand him in good stead in The Buildbase FA Vase Final on Sunday.
Bloomer is now 38 but 19 years ago, he was part of the Grimsby Town side that travelled to Wembley for the Football League Trophy Final against Bournemouth.
Despite playing in the competition’s previous rounds, the then-teenager ultimately watched from the sidelines, so with South Shields in his sights this weekend, he is itching to enjoy the full experience.
“Everything is gearing up to Sunday now,” said Bloomer. “We can't wait.
“It will be my first time playing at Wembley – I went in 1998 with Grimsby Town for the Auto Windscreens final.
“I wasn't part of the squad, but I'd played in the previous rounds and we'd travelled there.
“I never got to set foot on the hallowed turf so I'm looking forward to it. I never thought I'd get to Wembley – especially not at 38 years old!
“I'm not really an emotional guy, but after the semi-final it was a nice feeling and I just can't wait to get out there and play now.
“We're a very passionate team, an emotional team, and we're on fire once we get going. The mindset is great and we play some great stuff.”
The Owls’ achievement in reaching Wembley is even more remarkable considering they were only founded in 1998, but South Shields stand in the way of a fairytale finish.
The Mariners have been all-conquering this term – already winning the Northern League Division One title, the Northern League Cup and the Durham Challenge Cup.
And regardless of Sunday’s result, chairman Geoff Thompson is anticipating a well-deserved party at Wembley.
“We’ve known about Wembley for quite a number of weeks now, but as the day draw nearer, I’m getting more and more excited about it,” said Thompson.
“There are a little bit of nerves, but in a positive way. What I do know is we’re going to have an unbelievable day out, a memorable day.
“A lot of our fans are going down for the weekend and will have a really great time – a party weekend – and hopefully we’ll deliver on the pitch.”
FA Vase history
This is unfamiliar territory for both sides as they prepare for their first Wembley visit. South Shields will be hoping to replicate rivals North Shields’ success from two seasons ago when they beat Glossop North End 2-1 in extra-time.
Did you know?
Fleetwood Town are the only current team in the Football League to have played in an FA Vase Final, although 1982 winners Forest Green Rovers will be joining them next season after earning promotion from the National League. But while Forest Green beat Rainworth Miners Welfare 3-0, the Cod Army were not successful at the old Wembley – losing 3-1 to Halesowen Town in 1985.
One to watch
With 28 goals in 43 appearances this season, Brody Robertson will be hoping he has his shooting boots for Cleethorpes Town on at the biggest stage of all. Robertson has fired his side to promotion from the Northern Counties East League Premier Division as the Owls notched up an incredible 108 points and a remarkable 144 league goals from 42 matches.
The prize
The winning side will land a cool £25,000, with the loser having to settle for £17,000 but the real prize is the opportunity to lift The Buildbase FA Vase.
Cleethorpes Town v South Shields is one half of the second annual Non-League Finals Day, during which the showpiece of The Buildbase FA Trophy, between Macclesfield Town and York City, will also take place.
Tickets for this season’s event are frozen at £25 for adults and £10 for concessions, with The FA delighted to confirm that all children will be able to enjoy the day out at Wembley for just £1.
There is also a Non-League Finals Day group rate, perfect for schools and clubs, of £12.50 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for children.
Tickets are available from TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.
