Dabbers 'living the dream' ahead of FA Trophy semi-final ties

The Northern Premier League club find themselves in the semi-final and just two games away from Wembley after victories against the likes of Dover Athletic, Stockport County, Bradford Park Avenue and Stourbridge.

Those victories have seen them paired with National League FC Halifax, who beat Gateshead after a penalty shoot-out following two draws previously. 

But Gold believes Phil Parkinson’s squad will be ready for the challenge, regardless of who they end up facing.

"We’ve already beaten three teams from the National Leagues on the way to the semi-final," said Gold.

"Dover were a big scalp for us and we beat Stockport away and we outplayed Bradford [Park Avenue], so we’ll take what comes.

"They never give in and they proved that on Saturday by scoring in the third minute of extra time."

The Dabbers will have home advantage in the first leg on Saturday 12 March, before hitting the road for the clincher seven days later.

"We’ll be up for it and I know Phil will have them well prepared so we’re looking forward to it," added Gold.

"We’re the underdogs once again so all we can do is give it our best and our lads will do that.

"We’re living the dream at the minute, just to be there in the last four."

And what about their distinctive club nickname? Nantwich have been known as the Dabbers since their formation in 1884, but how did the Cheshire club receive it?

"There’s a few stories, but it really goes back to the old leather industry which was predominant in the town," revealed Gold.

"The guys who used to ‘dab’ the hides into the treatment tanks, they were the Dabbers. That’s the official line anyway!"

Tickets for The FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium are on sale now, priced at £25 for adults, £10 for concessions and just £1 for Under-16s.

The match takes place on Non-League Finals Day on Sunday 22 May, with The FA Vase Final included in the ticket price. Call 0844 826 2010 or click here for more details.