The Isuzu FA Trophy

Opportunity knocks for Heath and North Ferriby

Friday 27 Mar 2015
North Ferriby boss Billy Heath (centre) holds The FA Trophy at Wembley

North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath is determined not to let another opportunity slip through his grasp as his side prepares to take on Wrexham in The FA Trophy Final.

The Villagers enjoyed an impressive run in the competition last season, reaching the quarter-finals, before losing to eventual winners Gosport Borough

But Heath was disappointed with his team that day and is hoping his Conference North outfit from near Kingston upon Hull can make amends this year. 

North Ferriby v Wrexham

The FA Trophy
The Final
1.30pm, Sunday 29 March
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Winning club will receive £50,000

"Last season was a massive opportunity missed," Heath said. "We went to Gosport and we didn't turn up on the day. We ended up missing a great chance to go all the way.

"But the experience has prepared us for another challenge, and we feel we're in a good position."

North Ferriby go in against Wrexham as the underdogs. The Welsh side won this competition in 2013 and, as a Conference Premier club, are a league above Heath's men. 

But the former Nuneaton boss feels his side can benefit from the low expectations surrounding them.  

"Wrexham are in a great position, the size of the club, their squad, their facilities, the fact that they're full-time - absolutely everything stacks up against us.

"Nobody is expecting us to win. They're in the league above us so they should beat us. If Wrexham go away on Sunday having lost there will be questions asked.

"But we have watched them a few times and I'm confident we can put a side together capable of causing them problems."

In the build up their Wembley date, the Villagers could only earn a point away to 18th-placed Brackley Town. But the players could be excused for having their mind on The Final. 

"We don't have a huge squad and there are a lot of really young lads who are still learning. 

"It's been difficult at times; we've had to make choices in terms of rotating the squad to try and give us the chance in both competitions. 

"But we've got a full squad available for The Final, and we will play the way we always do."

Tickets will be available at Wembley Stadium on matchday, priced £30 for adults, £20 for OAPs and students and £10 for U16s


By FA Staff