A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw St Albans City
FAT 4R v Cheshunt (h) 0-3
(all profits go to charity)
FAT 4R v Cheshunt (h) 0-3
I approached someone in Verulamium Park wearing a hat that looked like it had a St Albans City FC badge on it. As I approached to make conversation, I realised it was the badge of a cycling club that shared St Albans’ colours. The man was most confused.
I was made very welcome at St Albans City. Upon arrival, I explained the purpose of my visit and was escorted to the bar for a much-needed refreshment. However, St Albans’ generosity continued throughout the afternoon. After a lively start, Cheshunt gradually got on top and ran out easy winners. A bad day at the office for St Albans, I suspect.
I sat near a young lad who paid scant attention to the game. “What’s the score, Grandad?” he asked. “2-0”, replied Grandad. A few minutes later, he asked if St Albans were now winning. Grandad, through clenched teeth, revealed that it was now 3-0.
On the Friday before the game, I had an afternoon pint in the Cock Inn. A young lady had offered a young man a date (I’ll leave you to decide what ‘a date’ might entail) if he drunk eight shots in two hours. I am not sure why he was seeking my advice, but he was clearly going to make an attempt to get his date. I’ll never know if he succeeded.
The book describes my journey following the 2021-22 FA Trophy. I chose to start at Hashtag United v Chipstead in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Trophy. From there, I followed the winners of each tie, finishing at Wembley, where I saw Bromley lift the trophy after beating Wrexham. It was a magical journey that enabled me to visit 9 non-League grounds plus Wembley and meet supporters from 12 different fantastic clubs.
I travelled to each game by train and stayed at or close to the venue of each tie for at least one night. Each chapter takes a light-hearted look at my travels, my exploration of each town or city, as well as covering my match-day experience. I also met many interesting people on my travels, enjoying a beer or two with the locals at each venue. The book captures the spirit that I believe only exists in non-League football and describes some truly enjoyable and memorable moments.