'Local friends' face off in FA Vase final at Wembley

"Twelve months ago it was doom and gloom," said Great Wakering Rovers chairman David Patient.

The ninth-tier club were relegated from the Isthmian League North Division at the end of the 2022-23 season, but now have an FA Vase final at Wembley to look forward to.

What makes it more special is their opponents on Saturday (kick-off 12:15 BST) will be fellow Essex Senior League team Romford.

"Who would believe a dream come true - that a small village club like Great Wakering Rovers is going to be playing our local friends in an FA Vase competition at Wembley?" Patient told BBC Look East.

The similarities do not end there as both sides came through tough semi-finals, winning penalty shootouts after 2-2 draws on aggregate.

Rovers overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to beat Worcester City 5-4 on spot-kicks, while Romford held their nerve to beat Lincoln United 10-9 in the shootout after a goalless second leg away from home.

"The buzz is good - the excitement is happening now," said Romford manager Dan Spinks.

"It is the first time it has really sunk in, because we have had other games going on and the nerves are starting to kick in."

The match will be Romford's first at Wembley since they were beaten 1-0 by Bromley in the FA Amateur Cup final 75 years ago.

The competition ran between 1893 and 1974 when the Football Association (FA) abolished amateur status.

"It is probably the only time I'll get to Wembley, and probably the only time most of the players will get there, so we have to enjoy it," added Spinks.

"Confidence has always been high. A lot of the players have played in leagues above this, but they know that you have to win your duels."

Reaching the final also marks a proud moment in Patient's career, given his dedication to football since starting out as a young coach at Barking in the Isthmian League in 1980.

"I've done 1,800 games or so. This is the pinnacle," the Great Wakering chairman said.

"Some have said to me, including my wife: 'Will this be your last game, because I don't think you can ever beat this?'"

Rovers' typical attendance is about 150, but Patient said that by Wednesday, 3,200 tickets had been sold for Wembley.

"The whole village has come alive," he said.

"It is unbelievable. To see the village, like the post office and post boxes all dressed in green and white, it really is a story."

Patient added: "These lads are here for the right reasons. They are objectively friends on and off the pitch."

Saturday's final promises to be an emotional game for both clubs and Spinks is keen for his players not to get caught up in the occasion.

"It's going to be a hectic game - the intensity can drain you, me included," the Romford boss warned.

"But you cannot question anyone's desire. Once the whistle goes, they will give everything they've got.

"Win or lose, we are going to celebrate the achievement."