The Monday Moment is back today on www.footballwriting.com bringing you the best writing around the game below the Football League.
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Join me as I look back at the last seven days of non-league football and pick out the stories you might have missed from across the pyramid despite the wet weather once again intervening:
Wealdstone or Marine? Southport or Southend Utd? Cockfosters or Punjab Utd? Hallen or AFC Stoneham?
Four of those sides will be contesting Non League Finals Day in May to win the FA Trophy or the FA Vase after today’s semi-final draws. Two National League sides taking on two National League North teams for a place at Wembley concluded on Saturday 28th March.
The Vase however take their semi-finals still over two legs, joining the Trophy on the 28th with the return legs on Saturday 4th April and a new first time winner’s name etched on the silverware when all is said and done.
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Spare a thought for Step 6 Wolverhampton Casuals in March, their families won’t be seeing a lot of the players, staff, supporters or volunteers! The North West Counties Division One South side begin a run of 12 matches on Tuesday night including a couple of Thursday nights thrown in for good measure.
And is of course providing none are postponed due to the weather and slotted into the spare Thursday nights at the end of the month. There are likely to be a few clubs heading this way in April as well and a sure sign that some changes are needed to next season’s fixture planning.
To expect players to work a day’s shift and churn out four performances a week is beyond ridiculous really for part time players, will the supporters be getting their monies worth because I’m fairly sure there’s going to be a few tired players come the end of March, games that could have an impact on both ends of the table.
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At the end of this month on international weekend it’s the annual Non League Day. Started over ten years ago by James Doe it’s grown into the one of the most regular features of the non-league calendar and there will be plenty going on from clubs up and down the country.
Keep your eyes out for the offers that will come across social media and club websites in the next couple of weeks and support your local club where you can, there will be something for everyone.
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Enjoy the next seven days of non-league football wherever you end up, we’re at the business end of the season, heading towards squeaky bum time, the pressure is ramping up.
