Littlehampton Town's amazing Road to Wembley: the seven hurdles they've overcome

By Steve Bone
Published 14th May 2022, 10:56 BST
Littlehampton get the better of Moneyfields in the first round / Picture: Chris HattonLittlehampton get the better of Moneyfields in the first round / Picture: Chris Hatton
Littlehampton get the better of Moneyfields in the first round / Picture: Chris Hatton
Eight days to go! Eight days until Wembley goes gold. That's how long now before Littlehampton Town walk out at Wembley to face Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase final. We will have new previews on this website EVERY day between now and then, with articles by me and Trevor Knell, and if you're local, don't miss an exclusive eight-page supplement in the Littlehampton Gazette on Thursday.

We start with the story of how the Marigolds have reached the final. And here's a stat for you - when they won the quarter-final to reach the last four they still had a MINUS goal difference. This is a unique road to Wembley. Relive it here...

Littlehampton have come through seven ties to reach the FA Vase final. Here’s a reminder of who they’ve beaten along the way...

Round 1 – Littlehampton Town 3 Moneyfields 2

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Liam Humphreys fires in the winner against Sheppey in round three / Picture: Stephen GoodgerLiam Humphreys fires in the winner against Sheppey in round three / Picture: Stephen Goodger
Liam Humphreys fires in the winner against Sheppey in round three / Picture: Stephen Goodger

After a goal-laden start to the season in the league and other cup competitions, the Vase run began with another thriller at The Sportsfield in late October as Portsmouth side Moneyfields visited.

Lewis Jenkins, George Gaskin and Rory Biggs got he goals to secure a place in round two.

Joint boss Mitch Hand said: “It was a great win and a really good performance from the boys. I told them on the day these games are for them and to just enjoy themselves and the first half was the most dominant we’ve been for a long time against top quality opposition as well.

“For the first time in a while I had the majority of the squad to pick from and when I’m able to bring the likes of Lucas Pattenden off the bench you’ve always got a chance.”

Lee Garnham strikes in the 3-3 draw with Brockenhurst - which ended in a 4-1 Golds win in the shootout / Picture: Stephen GoodgerLee Garnham strikes in the 3-3 draw with Brockenhurst - which ended in a 4-1 Golds win in the shootout / Picture: Stephen Goodger