AFC Sudbury v Winchester City
The FA Vase Final
St. Andrews, Birmingham
16 May 2004, 3pm
Listen Live to The Final here

As Winchester City’s player/joint assistant manager Mark Blake got his hands on The FA Vase, his former Southampton team-mate Matt Le Tissier was on hand to offer some words of wisdom.

Matt, affectionately known as ‘Le God’ for his legendary career with the Saints, said: "They need to concentrate on their own game, be positive and not have any negative thoughts."

The pair, who were both apprentices at Southampton, met up with The FA Vase as they prepared to tee off in a charity golf tournament at South Winchester Golf Club toraise money for neighbouring Eastleigh FC.

Mark, a year older, played alongside Matt in his first game at Southampton and played against him in a pre-season friendly versus Eastleigh, which was Matt’s last game.

Despite their careers taking very different paths, they have remained close friends.

Matt recalled: ‘When I walked into The Dell in 1985, I was looking up to guys like Mark who had already been apprentices for a year.

"Mark was a very good footballing centre-half. He could pass the ball and read the game very well. He wasn’t blessed with great pace – something we had in common – but he was always a model professional."

Mark recalled: "From the moment Matt arrived, you couldn’t help but notice what a wonderful talent he was – and, on top of all that, he was a fantastic lad."

During four years as a pro with the Saints, Mark made 18 League appearances and scored two goals – once making it onto the scoresheet with Alan Shearer when he netted a hat-trick against Arsenal on his debut.

He also won several England Under 18 caps, playing alongside the likes of Neil Ruddock, David Hirst, Tony Daley, Gavin Peacock and Paul Ince.

The 36-year-old IT consultant went on to play for Shrewsbury Town, Fulham and AS Cannes in France before returning home and moving into non-league.

He played for Aldershot Town and a few other local sides before joining Winchester City in January 2002.

Mark said: "It’s a standing joke in football that once you hit the 30 mark you become an old man. I’m still here because I enjoy playing good quality football in a successful side.

"Since coming to Winchester City, the club has improved year on year and they have some big plans."

National Cup glory has eluded Mark until now and he can’t wait to run out at Birmingham City FC on Sunday, May 16, and be given the chance to help his side lift The FA Vase.

Mark said: "I won a couple of promotions and got as far as the Fifth Round of The FA Cup with Shrewsbury Town, but I have never been in a national cup final before.

"The FA Vase is a tremendous competition and I am going to make sure I enjoy the final because, as I’ve said to the younger players, it doesn’t come around all too often."

Although Matt no longer playsfor Eastleigh, he is still involved in the local non-league scene.

He is impressed with Winchester City reaching The FA Vase final – and admits to being envious of Mark achieving something he never did.

Matt said: "I never got anywhere near a cup final and I am a little bit jealous of Mark. Not only that, but he is playing at one of the grounds I would loved to have played at – and he’s playing for this great trophy as well.

"Winchester have had a fantastic season and I’m really pleased for Mark to be involved in that success. They’ve won the Wessex League comfortably in their first season and are in The FA Vase final having got to the quarter-finals in their first season in the competition last year

"Mark is delighted – he’s full of himself and really proud of their achievements. It’s great for someone who has played at a much higher level to still be so enthusiastic."

Unfortunately, Matt will not be able to make it to the final, but he will be willing Mark and the team on to victory.

He said: "I will be tuning into the radio to find out how they’re getting on and hopefully I’ll be cheering at the final whistle."