Billy Rowley has fond memories of watching Manchester United at Wembley as a kid. Now he wants to experience the magic himself by taking Yeovil Town to the FA Trophy final.
But he admits that there is still a long way to go with the Glovers facing a tricky quarter-final tie at National League North side Southport.
“It is an absolute dream to play at Wembley,” Rowley told The NLP. “I am still a 12-year-old lad at heart, remembering watching Manchester United play at Wembley and imagining pulling on the kit in one of those changing rooms.
“It would be an incredible experience and something that we are all dreaming of.
Ambition
“Having made it through a couple of rounds, you start to think ‘OK, we have a real chance here’.
“When we came into the changing room at the end of the last game and see that the likes of Rochdale, York and other top teams are out of the competition, then you think someone could be looking down on us here and smiling.
“We will be treating the competition with loads of respect, and everyone at the club, including the supporters, can dream that we can be at Wembley in May.”
The Glovers saw off Maidstone United in the third round before dispatching Southern League side Alvechurch at the next stage – both on penalties.
They had a more convincing 2-0 win at AFC Telford United in the last round, where an own goal and a Tahvon Campbell effort secured their trip to Southport.
Determination
Rowley added: “It’s good that we have a team from a lower level – we would much rather be playing there rather than at a team in the National League above us.
“We understand that it is going to bring its challenges, and it will give Southport an extra edge.
“But we will approach the game on the front foot because we desperately want to get to Wembley this year.
“We have a good mix of players – some lads that have played higher and some good young loans who are hungry to do well.
“When you go to a team in a lower division in the competition, they will probably be thinking that the pressure is off them.
“For us, we will need to show why we are in the league above. Some of the players will need to show why they have played in the Football League and what it takes to get there.”
FA Trophy quarter final draw
Southport v Yeovil Town
Marine v Woking
Kidderminster Harriers v Wealdstone
Horsham v Southend United
Ties to take place on Saturday, February 28
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