West Auckland Town manager Peter Dixon is relishing the opportunity to represent the north-east at Wembley on Saturday when his side take on Sholing in The FA Carlsberg Vase Final.
The Northern League outfit are looking to follow a string of sides from the same division who have succeeded under the Arch in recent seasons.
Whitley Bay have won The FA Vase three times at Wembley, Dunston UTS - who beat 'West' in The Final in 2012 - and current holders Spennymoor Town have helped the area dominate the competition.
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
But, with the taste of Final defeat still lingering from two years ago, Dixon is hoping his side can be the toast of their region this weekend.
"To be back at Wembley feels incredibly special," said Dixon. "But it’s even more special this time because back then it was two teams from the North East, which diluted the magnitude of the occasion a little bit.
"Now, it’s all about us. We aren’t sharing the limelight with another club from our league and we are solely representing our region."
He continued: "It’s a classic North v South match too, with Sholing being about as far south as you can get and us being as far north.
"That really makes this feel like a national cup Final."
Peter Dixon gives the thumbs up after Semi-Final win
Dixon now hopes that after suffering the downside of a Wembley Final, he and his team can experience the highs and make it a great trip to the capital for the travelling 'West' fans.
He also believes his team are better equiped and is confident they can overcome the challenge of the Wessex League Premier Division champions.
"That experience in 2012 wasn’t great. We’ve got a stronger squad this time, with more quality, and as a manager I have more choices at my disposal," added Dixon.
"We also have a good mix of players who were here before and can draw on their experience, against new players who will be coming to Wembley for the first time.
"We’re looking forward to having the support of the North East and we’ll be looking to bring that trophy back home for the fans, the club and the region."
You can read the full interview with Peter in the official matchday programme. Tickets are still available for the game, click here to get yours...
