A new book: From Hashtag United to Wembley
(all profits go to charity)
Where I saw Stockport County
FAT R5 v Cheshunt (H) 1-0
FAT R6 v Needham Market (a) 3-0
FAT SF v Wrexham (a) 0-2
(all profits go to charity)
FAT R5 v Cheshunt (H) 1-0
FAT R6 v Needham Market (a) 3-0
FAT SF v Wrexham (a) 0-2
Stockport County proved excellent hosts. They welcomed the supporters from Cheshunt by offering a private lounge for post-match festivities. The pre-match pint in the Prince Albert allowed me to mingle with Stockport County and Cheshunt supporters and hear some interesting tales about Stockport County. I had never realised how much Manchester City feared Stockport County.
I was educated. Someone told me that the nearest ground to the River Mersey is Edgeley Park. It’s a good trick question; I need to remember it! However, Stockport County playing in China was way more curious.
Too many to mention, but Jordan Keane’s thunderous shot that gave Stockport County at Needham Market a 2-0 lead will take some beating in terms of power. I was also quite impressed with the travelling party of Stockport fans at Needham Market, who polished off tray loads of shots before the Needham Market game. At Wrexham, it wasn’t Stockport’s day; they could easily have made the trip to Wembley.
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.