Marine AFC are looking to realise their “Wembley Dream” and make history as they prepare to visit Wealdstone in the FA Trophy semi-final next Saturday (28th March).

This is the third time the Mariners have reached the semi-final stage of the Trophy, the last being in 1991-1992 but have never played a game at Wembley in their history.

Head of media and vice-chairman Dave McMillan is looking to summon the spirit of past runs as Marine look to make club history.

McMillan said: “It has been a really good trophy run so far.

“We have won five rounds so far.

“One more and hopefully the Wembley dream will be realised.”

Daunting task of the league above

The trip to Wealdstone comes after Marine beat National League Woking 1-0 at Rossett Park.

Wealdstone, also of the National League, beat Marine’s National League North rivals Kidderminster Harriers 6-5 on penalties to reach the semi-finals.

Marine have only won once since the win over Woking, a 4-2 victory over Worksop Town on Saturday, and McMillan is aware of the extent of the task ahead.

And he is relishing the prospect of an all-Merseyside final as Southport host Southend United in the other semi-final but is aware of the quality the other semi-finalists possess.

McMillan said: “Football-wise, Southend are the toughest draw for anybody but I am sure Southport will be pleased it is at home.

“Certainly, Southend away would have been a tall order for anybody but that is the beauty of cup football.

“The old cliché is on the day, you never know [what could happen].”

Can Marine use the Spirit of Spurs to reach Wembley?

The Mariners are looking to use the spirit of 2021’s third-round FA Cup game against Tottenham Hotspur as inspiration for next weekend’s big game.

McMillan said: “A surreal day really and it is hard to believe it was five years ago now.”

McMillan believes a similar day can be replicated if Marine can reach new ground and reach Wembley for the first-time in their history.

Crucial week awaits

The semi-final is the end of a big week of away days for Marine as they head to AFC Telford United on Saturday and AFC Fylde next Tuesday in the league before the trip to the Stones.

Marine are looking to apply pressure to the playoff places as they sit 13th, eight points behind Telford in the final playoff spot in seventh.

The Mariners have games in hand on all their rivals between themselves and Telford in the league as the battle for promotion reaches the business end of the season.

The semi-final is the priority as Marine look to reach new heights and their first ever FA Trophy final.

(Featured image by Kevin Bannon, former LJMU student)

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