In a season where Step 4 clubs ruled the cups – who can forget the achievements of Chichester City and Maldon & Tiptree in the FA Cup? – it was Southern League Division One Central high-flier Halesowen Town who ruled supreme this time around after embarking on a stunning FA Trophy run to within just one round of a dream date at Wembley.
No fewer than nine rounds and 13 ties took the Yeltz all the way from the Preliminary Round to a two-legged semi-final before the coronavirus outbreak struck.
And they didn’t have an easy time of it either, toppling three full-time National League outfits – Maidenhead United, FC Halifax Town, and Barnet – along the way, all on their own patch!
“It came as much of a surprise to us as anyone,” said manager Paul Smith, who arrived at The Grove last summer following the club’s relegation from Step 3.
This story is from the June 21, 2020 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 21, 2020 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCOPES IS AIMING TO UPSET 'EM ALL AGAIN!
DANNY Scopes has challenged his Aveley side to continue proving their doubters wrong by targeting another National League South promotion push next season.
WOOD LURE BOSS ROSS
ROSS Jenkins has promised to bring fresh energy to relegated Boreham Wood - and wants them to embrace the challenge of a National League South promotion push.
QUICK SANDY STEPPING UP!
UPBEAT Spalding United boss Elliot Sandy is backing his promotion-winning troops to rise to the challenge of Step 3 football next term.
REBELS HAVE A REY OF LIGHT!
NEIL Reynolds hailed ‘unplayable’ Aaron Bennett after the 20-year-old inspired FC United to their second Fenix Trophy success in three years.
HELPING CLUBS TO BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE
FROM Enfield Town to the new East Thurrock with AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester among those in between, the community ownership model has been around now for almost 25 years.
I'VE GUTT A GOOD FEELING!
New boss aims to roll on with Rebels
OUR TIME TO TAKE A BOW
RELIEVED boss James Collins admits that earning promotion with Bowers & Pitsea feels like 'redemption'.
LIGHTS, CAMERAS AND ACTION!
WHAT do you get when you mix a passion for football, a desire to help young people achieve their dreams, a highly-rated Non League footballer, a successful City businessman and a Hollywood star? According to Integral Sports Management (ISM)-a relatively young agency that are beginning to make their mark on the Non-League game and beyond - it adds up to the recipe for success.
MITCH HAS GOT THE GLORY ITCH
AMBITIOUS Mitch Austin reckons he's gone from heartbreak to euphoria in the closing weeks of another successful season at Harborough Town.
DISCOVERING A WELSH WONDER
I'VE not been to Wales lately and it's starting to become an itch. There are some stunning grounds to visit across the Principality, so I feel like I'm missing out somewhat.
