Chips through to 2nd Qualifying Round after winning at Hashtag United
The 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy took me to Pitsea in Essex for the tie between Hashtag United and Chipstead. This was the start of my journey From Hashtag United to Wembley.
Pitsea Market
I took time to explore Pitsea and find out what makes Pitsea people tick. I ventured into Pitsea Market, which looked like a set from East
Enders. If you want to buy a sweatshirt with the single word “King”, “Queen” or “Bitch” on it, Pitsea Market is the place you need to go. If you want longer, (possibly) witty slogans, these are also available. I desperately fancied a cup of tea while I visited the market, but uncertain hygiene standards led me to the safety of Costa Coffee, where incompetency was on display. I was lucky, it seemed, that my Earl Grey tea arrived correctly while the four people in front of me had differing disputes with a stressed staff member.
Lost in the park
I continued to the Premier Inn (East Mayne), where I was staying for a night. In a daydream, I enjoyed the walk through Northlands Park, a pleasant park with two fishing lakes close to the hotel. An old lady stopped me for directions. I politely explained that I was a visitor and knew nothing about the area. She continued to explain where she wanted to get to and thought that mentioning a newsagent on a corner might jar my memory.
Pre-match prep and flags
The hotel had a pub attached to it, which meant that I could enjoy a spare thirty minutes supping a pint of Doom Bar and preparing for the big game. The walk to the ground was just over a mile, with the most noticeable thing being the number of St George’s Cross flags displayed in gardens. They seemed to get bigger and bigger down one road. Perhaps, they had left there after the Euros this summer. One flag was on a full-scale flagpole with a West Ham flag next to it, although, if I’m honest, I’m not 100% sure what constitutes a full-scale flagpole.
Hashtag United, a brief history
Hashtag United play at Bowers & Pitsea’s ground. I recorded a quick video (see it here) before going through the turnstile to soak up the atmosphere. I had loosely arranged to meet the Hashtag owner and management team, but they looked busy before the kick-off. Hashtag United is a fascinating club with a unique background. If you’re a lifelong supporter of Hashtag United, you are well under ten years old. The Club was formed in 2016 and only entered league football in 2018-19. Despite Covid, after three successful years, they now compete in the Isthmian League North Division. The Club was formed by Spencer Owen, a YouTube content creator. The Club started by playing exhibition matches and gaining a YouTube following. They have over half a million followers, more than any English football club outside the top few of the Premier League. Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea has invested in the Club and is on the board.
Chips take command
Hashtag United’s FA Trophy opponents, Chipstead, compete at the same level of the Isthmian League but in the South Central Division. On the day, Chipstead always had the edge with their two attacking players, Tom Collins and Kofi Anokye-Boadi, regularly opening up the home defence. Indeed, Tom Collins seized on two first-half chances to give Chipstead a 2-0 lead. The second half carried on the same way. A ‘goal of the season’ goal from 30 yards by full-back Tom Annetts made it 3-0. Substitute, George Craig, cut into the box to add a fourth, but a late penalty gave the home faithful something to cheer about, albeit belatedly. I left the ground having had the chance to meet players and officials from both sides. It would be less than two weeks before meeting the Chipstead lads and lasses again at Aylesbury United in the Second Qualifying Round.
Meet George
Day 2 allowed me to see more of Pitsea and the surrounding area. I took a long walk to Bowers Marsh, heading towards the Thames Estuary. I decided to take a taxi back, which allowed me to meet driver George, a fine East End gentleman, who spoke in short, sharp sentences. He took some time to come to terms with the fact that I had walked to Bowers Marsh, but had come to see the football the previous day. I mentioned that I had seen Hashtag play Chipstead. “Oh, BNP” was the reply I heard. I immediately thought he was questioning my political allegiances or that one of the clubs was linked to the BNP. “Bowers and Pitsea’s ground”, he offered when he saw that I was struggling. The conversation got closer to flowing, and George clearly loved his football. “I’m West Ham, I am”, he offered. It seemed unnecessary to explain that he was not a suburb of London. “I’m from times of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Peters”, he offered in his longest sentence so far, omitting the definite article. I couldn’t help wondering if he knew Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst well but wasn’t on first name terms with Martin Peters. “So, who won?” he said after mentioning the 1966 heroes. I went to say England 4-2, but his interjection of “at the game” made me realise he was talking about Hashtag United. The taxi pulled up at my hotel. As I was about to leave the cab, he asked which team I supported. I couldn’t resist saying, “I’m Charlton”. He laughed. “Like Bobby Charlton”. He was pleased with his joke as we parted company or, maybe, he was laughing at Charlton. I needed another beer.
