An appearance in a final at Wembley Stadium is often a dream for players, managers and the people behind the scenes at football clubs and the Isuzu FA Vase provides an opportunity for those competing below Step 4 of the Non-League pyramid to reach Non-League Finals Day at England’s national football stadium. On Saturday, that dream became a reality for Whitstable Town when a 0-0 draw at Hartpury University in the second leg of the semi-final was enough to secure a 2-0 aggregate win. Whitstable began their campaign in August and have made it through nine rounds. There were 596 entries to the competition and now just two remain, with AFC Whyteleafe joining Whitstable in the final on Sunday 11th May.

An impressive win in the first leg at home in front of 2,905 spectators gave Whitstable a 2-0 lead to take to Gloucester. The Hellenic League champions elect Hartpury University were unable to find a way back into the tie as Whitstable did what they needed to do with a gritty defensive performance on a tricky surface and were able to celebrate with their many supporters amongst the 905 crowd as everyone can now look forward to a historic first appearance in the final.

Thank you to all of those that travelled to Hartpury to help cheer the team to Wembley. There was also a packed clubhouse back at the Primcura Healthcare Stadium, Whitstable watching events unfold, as well as a lot of others tuning in to watch or listen elsewhere. Thank you also to everyone that sent their good wishes before and after the game and to Hartpury for their great hospitality.

A full match report, photos and reaction will follow later, along with details of the final once known.