A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Leiston
FAT R2 v Bishop’s Stortford (a) 1-5
Favourite moment
When a Leiston supporter said that Leiston supporters would give their right arm for the player budget that Bishop’s Stortford probably has. At that moment, a Bishop’s Stortford fan with his arm in a sling walked by.
Interesting fact
Leiston is three miles from the Suffolk coast, due west of Sizewell. If you don’t know where Sizewell is, it’s three miles due east of Leiston on the coast.
Friendly supporters who expected to lose
I found the Leiston fans that made the trip from Suffolk a friendly bunch. However, they were not optimistic about their chances at Bishop’s Stortford. They were right, it was 5-1 – pessimists or realists?
Magic moment
Leiston had a tough afternoon at Bishop’s Stortford and sunk to a 5-1 defeat. At 2-0, Leiston were struggling but a well-taken goal from Adam Mills gave brief hope.
However, the Leiston supporters were a very friendly bunch, but, sadly, we parted company after one game. I was looking forward to a weekend in Suffolk, but that came much later.
What you will find in the book
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.
What is the book like?
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.
A bit about me (but not too much, I hope)
I was born and raised in Charlton and have been a long-suffering Charlton Athletic supporter. In the 1980s, I lived in Bromley and started to support Bromley FC, who were playing in the Isthmian League in those days. This introduced me to non-League football, and I have never looked back. Now living on the Kent/Sussex border, I love going to different grounds and enjoying the football (with a pint afterwards) at non-League grounds around the region. In the summer, I support Sussex CCC.
I am now semi-retired, which has given me the opportunity to follow the FA Trophy for the 2021-22 season, although I must thank my wife for her patience as she had to listen to me prattling on about my adventures week after week.
Non-League football has been one of the many adventures and fun things I have managed to enjoy in my life. I’ll tell you more about my life in the book if you can face the dreadful puns that I occasionally use.
