Andrew Green is fired up by Wembley defeat two years ago as he prepares for another FA Carlsberg Vase Final with West Auckland Town.
Green was part of the side that lost to their Northern League rivals Dunston UTS in the 2012 showpiece under the Arch and admits it was his lowest point in football.
Now, with another crack at The Vase as skipper of 'West' when they meet Wessex League Premier Division champions Sholing on Saturday afternoon, Green says he and his team-mates fear no-one.
Sholing v West Auckland Town
The FA Carlsberg Vase
The Final
Saturday 10 May 2014
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Tickets: www.TheFA.com/tickets
"It was soul destroying [two years ago]. We all sat down after the game and just blankly looked at each other. It’s without a doubt my worst time as a footballer," he admitted.
"We went and lost the league by two points after that, and we lost the League Cup two days after Wembley as well. When you realise that you were on the verge of a massive season and then you have nothing it just kills you.
"Then it was
summer and you have a long time
to think before you go again. The
following season we did nothing really,
but we’re back now and it’s great."
He continued: "With there being two North
East teams last time we were both
representing the region and maybe
some people who came down were
supporting both teams, but this time
we’re looking forward to playing a
team from the south coast.
"As you can imagine, us and Sholing don’t cross paths normally, so we don’t know too much about each other, but we don’t fear anyone."
He added: "A lot of top professionals might come to Wembley and play once in their career, but many won’t ever get to play at Wembley.
"To come here for a second time is more than a dream especially considering the level we play at week-in, week-out."
"It’s a mindblowing experience."
You can read the full interview with Andrew in the official matchday programme. Tickets are still available for the game, click here to get yours...
