Final flourish excites Leafe's elder statesman

VETERAN CRAIG BRAHAM-BARRETT SET TO REALISE WEMBLEY DREAM

- By IAN LAMONT

CRAIG Braham-Barrett has played on many big stages for Montserrat, but will finally realise his dream to step out and play on the Wembley turf when AFC Whyteleafe contest the FA Vase final.

The left back never made an appearance for Peterborough, with whom he travelled to Wembley for the League Two play-off final as an inexperienced 20-year-old.

Now, aged 36, he is relishing the chance to guide others through the experience, now looked upon as one of the senior members of a football squad in a club that was only started four summers ago.

"I'm on a different side of things this time," says Braham-Barrett, who signed for Leafe in October.

"I've always been a big voice in the changing room, but I was always in awe of those playing at Wembley.

"I like to think I'm part of people's development and it's nice to see people flourishing.

"Everyone [at Leafe] knows what they bring to the table."

Even if they have to wait for it. The defender, from Beckenham, has given lifts to 17-year-old keeper George Hill on the way to matches and training. The teenager, who worked his way into the side, has been crucial in Leafe's Vase run and will make just his 16th appearance in men's football at Wembley.