Hednesford Town  v  Canvey Island
FA Trophy, Final
Villa Park
23 May 2004, 4.00pm

Cup-tied Hednesford Town player Chris Gray has gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure he doesn’t miss out on the chance to run out onto the pitch at Villa Park.

The 27-year-old midfielder has volunteered to dress up as the club’s mascot Pitman Pete in this Sunday’s final of The FA Trophy, in partnership with Carlsberg.

Chris, who works as a postman, has been unable to play in any of Hednesford Town’s FA Trophy games as he had already turned out for Sutton Coldfield Town in the competition earlier in the season.

Chris, who joined The Pitmen in October, said: ‘I am gutted to be missing out on playing in the final because it’s probably a once in a lifetime chance, but at least this way I will still be involved.’

‘I’m known as a bit of a comedian at the club. All the lads think I’m a bit off the wall and a bit crazy so I think being Pitman Pete suits me!

‘No doubt I will be doing a little dance for the fans to gee them up before kick-off and get the atmosphere going. I just hope the lads can perform on the pitch.

‘I’m looking forward to it, but I can’t wait to be playing again in the competition next season.’

Hednesford Town will take on newly-promoted Conference side and former FA Trophy winners Canvey Island in the final, which kicks off at 4pm and will be shown live on Sky.

It will be an especially big cup weekend for Hednesford Town centre-forward Steve Anthrobus, whose former club Millwall will take on the might of Manchester United in the final of The FA Cup the day before.

The 35-year-old football coach began his career at Millwall and played alongside the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Neil Ruddock and Tony Cascarino.

Steve said: ‘Both Hednesford Town and Millwall are going to be the underdogs, but hopefully we can go to Villa Park and take the cup away from Canvey Island and Millwall can do the same against Manchester United.

‘It’s going to be a great weekend. There have been quite a few highs in my career, but being in The FA Trophy final will top the lot for me.’

Thirty years after winning the League Cup with Wolves, manager Barry Powell will be hoping to end the season on a high by guiding the club to victory in its first ever FA Trophy final.

Steve, known as ‘Buster’, added: ‘I am looking forward to being able to give something back to the Hednesford fans after a disappointing season in the league. We owe it to them and the manager.

‘We have under-achieved and hopefully we can go there on Sunday and give everyone connected with the club something to smile about.’

One of the club’s biggest fans is nine-year-old Luke Bates, who follows Hednesford home and away and was mascot at Aldershot Town for the semi-final first-leg.

Luke will have to go to the final in a wheelchair after breaking his leg while playing football for Havergal Primary School in Shareshill, Wolverhampton, a few weeks ago.

Luke said: ‘There’s no way I am going to miss the final. I’m really looking forward to it and I think Hednesford are going to win 2-0.

‘My favourite player is Steve Anthrobus but I think our star man is going to be Mark Danks. He has got pace, is very skilful and scores goals.’

The winner of The FA Trophy final will receive £50,000 in prize money, compared to the £12,000 awarded to Burscough last season.

As The FA Trophy celebrates its 35th season, The FA dramatically increased the total prize fund from £225,000 to £631,000, an increase of £406,000, highlighting its continued support for this level of the game.

Tickets for the final are priced £20 and £15 for adults, and £5 for under 16s and over 65s. Ticket prices for wheelchair users are £15 with admission for their helpers free. Radio commentary is available upon request for visually-impaired supporters.

Tickets for Hednesford Town fans are available from the club’s commercial office on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm. For more information phone
01543 422870.