Kirkham heading for Wembley
Published Date:
29 March 2008
Tiny Kirkham and Wesham FC are heading for Wembley - and a massive £150,000 payout!
Mick Fuller's giantkillers beat Needham Market 4-2 on aggregate after a nailbiting 1-0 win in Suffolk on Saturday.
The tiny Vodkat North West Counties League side will now play Lowestoft Town in the final at Wembley on May 11.
Club President David Haythornthwaite, speaking minutes after the final whistle, said: "It's not sunk in yet!
"It's just an incredible achievement for the players, the manager, the club and the town.
"We had 200 fans down here and they are all going crazy. There will be some party at our hotel tonight!
"I'm hoping we could take 10,000 fans from Kirkham and the Fylde to Wembley.
"Our FA Vase run has captured the imagination of the town and not only put this club on the map locally but nationally too.
"We believe it could be worth £150,000 to the club. I am incredibly proud of everyone."
Kirkham and Wesham weathered heavy pressure from Needham Market, having taken a 3-2 lead from the first leg to Suffolk.
Sean Paterson could only fire straight at the home keeper when clean through in the first half.
Tony Keefe then did brilliantly to head a goalbound shot off the line to deny the home side who threw everyone forward as the clock ticked down.
As Needham Market pushed for a vital goal, Matt Walwyn struck in injury time to seal Kirkham's remarkable trip to Wembley.
Captain Phil Thompson told the Evening Post: "The lads are going mental in the dressing room. It's just a superb feeling.
"From 1-11 everyone has played their part. It's hard to describe the feeling right now.
"Playing at Wembley is what you dream of as a kid and we have earned the right to play there."
* SEE The Evening Post on Monday for a full match report from Kirkham's amazing cup victory.
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Last Updated:
31 March 2008 9:46 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Preston