FC Hartlepool were playing on a pitch without a barrier, stands or floodlights just a couple of years ago – now they’re thriving at Step 6 of the National League System and aiming for more.
Graeme Lee says his close family ties with Spennymoor Town have played a significant role in his decision to take charge of the National League North club.
There are 22 clubs in this season’s FA Vase third round who have never got this far in the competition before, including Berks County, Buckhurst Hill and Shefford Town and Campton. All three are in their debut Vase campaigns.