The Isuzu FA Trophy final of this year was never going to match the support levels of last year, we’re not all a Wrexham resurgence occurring. Whilst a few stay after the success or commiserating of the FA Vase result, the focus moves onto the sides from the top end of the pyramid.
One of the things I like about the day is you get to see the graft, excitement and whole hearted commitment from those at Step 5 and 6 whilst as you would expect from those at Steps 1 and 2 a more tactical approach with full time players for most whose touch and skill takes it up a few levels.
However, in common is the chance to play at Wembley and the opportunity to see your team at one of the world’s most iconic stadium’s, that chance doesn’t come around too often, for some not at all in a playing career or a supporter’s lifetime, moments to be cherished.
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FC Halifax Town and Gateshead were the two sides contesting the trophy, my club Barnet a penalty shootout away in the North East of actually being here this afternoon, so possibly not surprisingly my allegiance wasn’t going Gateshead’s way!
Both sets of fans despite being smaller in number than last year were in good voice however and with a smattering of Newport Pagnell and Ascot Utd fans staying behind to enjoy the onward proceedings the game was underway, a nervy start again showing the slight rustiness from a three week layoff.
The Heed controlled the possession and the Shaymen seemed content to allow them to do so, chances were less so than the opening game, but both defences very alert to snuff out any danger that did come their way.
It took a while for Halifax to get themselves into the game, their best hope coming from Millenic Ali although despite the excellent skill and balance in gliding past players his final touch took him once too often into a Gateshead defender and attacks broke down, neither side really close to breaking the deadlock before half time or so it appeared.
Alli was disposed on the edge of the Heed penalty area, an extremely short back pass from Louis Shorey put James Montgomery under pressure, his clearance striking the on-rushing Jamie Cooke and rebounding into the net for the opening goal, nothing the keeper could do, Halifax in front.
Possession stakes didn’t change much in the second half, Halifax I felt needed to be a bit braver in the second 45 and take the game to their opponents, it was the Shaymen who came closest to wrapping the game up but Montgomery was equal to Jack Hunter’s shot. As the clock ticked down, the Heed made changes to force an equaliser, the game becoming almost an attack versus defence training mode game but no way through for Gateshead and Halifax became the 2023 Isuzu FA Trophy winners.
Like the first game, there wasn’t a lot of urgency for a cup final, nor too much to get fans off their seats, similar as well that the time between the end of the season and playing this game didn’t help.
Granted full time players would have been training still to maintain fitness but lacking that little bit of match sharpness was very evident. An almost freak goal to win it, shame the BT Sport commentators chose to give the fault to the keeper who had no chance to do much else than hit the ball and hope, nine times out of ten the ball flies out for a goal kick, this one time of course the million dollar goal.
So, that’s the season done for me after 71 games in total, but while the football itself puts the balls away for a few weeks the blogging doesn’t stop, plenty to write about as things change at clubs, players are signed or move on and something just throws itself up for an opinion to be raised on it.
Interviews and podcasts already underway this week, so keep checking your inboxes for content, and if there’s anything you’d like to see written about don’t be afraid to get in touch. Also, if you like what you read don’t be shy in sharing it about and getting more people on board, it’s non-league football, it’s what we love…..
