Wembley final for village side is 'dream come true'

The chairman of a village football side heading to Wembley said reaching the FA Vase final was a "dream come true".

David Patient said excitement was at fever pitch ahead of Great Wakering Rovers' clash with Romford on Saturday.

The Essex Senior League side secured their trip to the home of football after they defeated Worcester City on penalties in the semi-final.

Mr Patient hailed what he described as an "unbelievable" achievement.

It was a far cry from the despair felt after Great Wakering Rovers - who are based near Southend-on-Sea - were relegated from the Isthmian League North last season.

"Twelve months ago, it was doom and gloom at Great Wakering Rovers," Mr Patient told the BBC.

"We'd been relegated after a terrible season, doom and gloom everywhere.

"Who would believe this dream come true, that a small village club is going to play our local friends Romford in the FA Vase at Wembley?"

Mr Patient, who has been involved in the Essex football scene for 43 years, said his side usually attracted about 150 supporters to home games.

However, more than 3,000 fans have since snapped up tickets for Saturday's final.

"The whole village has come alive. Unbelievable is the word, it's an amazing story," the chairman added.

"We’ve had so many great characters and squads over the years, but these lads are here for the right reasons."

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