The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 1 November 2008
Winning clubs will receive £3,000 from The FA
The FA Trophy is now in its 40th season and there's no doubt that reaching The Final is a very big deal these days.
The last two Finals, both at the new Wembley, attracted more than 93,000 fans between them. This season's winners will pick up £50,000 and the runners-up £25,000.
There was an entry of 263 clubs this season, all hoping for some of that Trophy glory, and this weekend's Second Round Qualifying features four clubs who've already been "all the way".
Hednesford Town of the Northern Premier League's Premier Division were Trophy winners just five seasons ago. They lifted that impressive piece of silverware (30" high) after beating Canvey Island 3-2 at Villa Park. On Saturday they travel to Stamford, three times a Vase Finalist.
Wealdstone were the first to achieve a Trophy and Conference (then "Gola League") Double in 1985. Now in the Isthmian Premier and playing at Ruislip Manor's former ground, the Stones welcome Tiverton Town, also three-time Vase Finalists, to Grosvenor Vale on Saturday. Boston United, the team they edged 2-1 at the old Wembley before a 20,000 crowd 23 years ago, are also in Trophy action at the weekend at Clitheroe.
Dartford, who lost the 1974 Trophy Final to Morecambe, host Oxford City at Princes Park.
Trophy Fact: Premier League Wigan Athletic played in the first FA Trophy competition in 1969-70, losing 1-0 at Telford United in the Second Round.