Wembley final a 'dream come true'

Football fans from both Kent and Surrey have said it is exciting to see Whitstable Town FC and AFC Whyteleafe face off in the FA Vase final at Wembley.

It is the first time either side have made it to the final of the competition, which is for non-league teams in steps nine and 10 of the English football pyramid.

Whitstable supporter Jane Longhurst said she was "so proud" of her son Matt, who is a coach with the side, although she had "absolute goosebumps" ahead of the game.

"It's an amazing achievement for a young group of boys that go to work every day and give their [free] time up afterwards," said Jane.

"It's been an incredible journey."

Helen and Danny Waters, Whyteleafe fans, told the BBC ahead of kick-off they could not believe what was happening, especially since Danny's brother was managing the squad.

"This is footballer's dream," said Danny. "It's so exciting. It's overwhelming."

"There's such a lovely atmosphere here," he added.

Thousands of fans from both teams travelled to the home of English football, with Southeastern predicting up to 10,000 Whitstable fans could be at the game.

Mark Weatherall, a Whitstable supporter, told the BBC the buzz around the town before the match had been "unbelievable".

His wife Georgie added they never would have imagined their team reaching the final.

AFC Whyteleafe have enjoyed a successful few years since joint-manager and chairman Kelly Waters took over in 2021 after Whyteleafe FC folded.

He said before the game: "Just to walk out at Wembley in front of our local community all there cheering for the boys, with this team, will be such a treat. I just can't wait."

Fans heading to the capital from the Whitstable area were urged to set off early as replacement buses will be used.

There are no trains running from Whitstable Station on the day and a replacement bus service, calling at Whitstable, is running between Ramsgate and Faversham.

The FA Vase gives teams in steps nine and 10 of the English football pyramid the chance of playing in a national final at Wembley Stadium.

Whitstable Town play in the Southern Counties East Premier and AFC Whyteleafe play in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South - which are both in the ninth tier of English football.

To get to the final, Whitstable Town beat Hartpury University FC 2-0 on aggregate over two legs, while AFC Whyteleafe beat Andover New Street FC 3-1 at home and 1-0 away.

Local fans have been swept up in their clubs' runs to the final, as 2,000 spectators watched AFC Whyteleafe at home in their 3-1 semi-final win, while Whitstable had an attendance of 2,905 for their home semi-final tie.

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