ENGLAND legend Stuart Pearce told Hornchurch manager Mark Stimson this Trophy story could be made into a film. There wouldn’t be enough camera roll to do it justice. This tale lends itself more to a nine-part Netfl ix documentary.
An underdog triumphing against all the odds having not kicked a ball in the league since early November when the season was halted, overcoming adversity to beat five higher league sides and a wily old manager’s love affair with Non-League’s most prestigious competition. They’ve even got their own tagline as the ‘Pub Team from Hornchurch’.
The final was an epic episode in itself. Hereford were in control, cruising, thanks to Tom Owen-Evans’ early opener.
But as Bulls boss Josh Gowling admitted after, not getting a second to finish off their Pitching In Isthmian Premier opponents proved crucial.
Substitute Charlie Ruff squeezed in an equaliser on 75 minutes to set the scene for a gripping final 15.
Liam Nash, the top scorer in the Trophy this season, hammered in his seventh of this nine-game run with four minutes remaining before Ellis Brown wrapped it up with a breakaway in time added on.
Played out in front of fans, there was perhaps some disappointment at the final whistle when a minority of over-excited supporters from the Horn- church end spilled onto the pitch.
It was a bit of a mood killer initially – and questions will no doubt be asked of quite how they wriggled on – but the Urchins players were soon dancing around in celebration.
This story is from the May 23, 2021 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 May 23, 2021 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
'UNKNOWN' IRON SEEK TO SHOCK...
AMBITIOUS Braintree chairman Lee Harding says the Iron will be gunning for the play-offs on their return to the National League.
CABLES HAVE THE POWER!
Daley's proud of Prescot heroes...
WE'VE GOT ONE EQ OF A FUTURE
A NTONIO VALENCIA, Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan, Jeremy Sarmiento. Sound familiar? Before too long you might need to add two more Ecuadorians to that elite Premier League list.
ANDY'S HANDS ON FOR EARLS
FROM coordinating press conferences for Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane to organising matchday operations in the Midland League, Andy Walker expertly fulfils a varied football lifestyle.
Icon Dave has lived his dream
SHOLING icon Dave Diaper capped off a remarkable 25 years in charge of the club by being awarded The Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement Award at The Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards in association with Isuzu.
Stones proud of FA Cup legacy NON-LE
AFTER an underdog run that stole the hearts of the nation, there was never going to be any other team than Maidstone United for the FA Cup Run of the Year award.
Taylor is too hot to handle!
RAMSGATE marksman Joe Taylor revealed greater dedication to his goalscoring craft is the secret behind his stunning 53 goals last season.
Cook's class an in-Spiration
ADAM VIRGO believes Chesterfield have said goodbye to Non-League football for a long time after romping to the National League title.
Tim's a titan of Non-Leaque
NON-LEAGUE legend Tim Fuell was taken aback when he was surprised with the Isuzu Unsung Hero award.
Robins gem Conn-Clarke shines bright
ALTRINCHAM starlet Chris Conn-Clarke is keeping his feet on the ground despite a stellar season that saw him named the Sportsbeat Young Player of the Season at The NonLeague Paper’s annual National Game Awards, in association with Isuzu.