There will be a new name engraved on the FA Trophy this season! Concord Rangers, after their dramatic extra-time victory over Royston Town tonight, join Halesowen Town, Harrogate Town and Notts County in the final four.
Concord's previous best run in the competition came in 14/15 when they reached the Second Round losing to Hemel Hempstead Town.
Their opponents are Step Four side Halesowen Town who will be playing their 14th and 15th game in the competition in the two semi-final legs - It's been a truly epic cup run for the West Midlanders. In the last three rounds they have beaten Vanarama National side's AWAY from home in Maidenhead United, FC Halifax Town and Barnet.
Halesowen's best run came previous to this season was in 94/95 when Rushden & Diamonds beat them in round three, in 99/00 when Doncaster Rovers won a third round replay 2-3 and in 02/03 when Alfreton Town defeated them.
The other semi-final is an all National League affair between Notts County (their first season competing in the FA Trophy after their relegation from the football league in 2019) and Harrogate Town whose previous best run was reaching the third round in 99/00 losing to Spennymoor United, 01/02 when Doncaster Rovers beat them and 17/18 when Billericay Town beat them in a replay.
Both have a real chance of promotion to the football league - Notts County are currently in sixth place with Harrogate Town in second place just five points behind leader's Barrow. The Magpies won 0-2 in the league game played back in August at the CNG Stadium. Ironically the return league game was scheduled for the 28th March when the 2nd leg will be played so this will now have to be squeezed into the fixture schedule.
If anyone would of predicted the final-four prior to the start of the competition I don't think anyone would of said either Halesowen Town or Concord Rangers - It's a huge chance for the Step Two or Step Four side to get to Wembley!
AN INCREDIBLE FA TROPHY RUN BY THE YELTZ
1) Extra Preliminary Round - Dereham Town - W 2-1 (153)
2) Preliminary Round - Evesham United - D 1-1 (382)
3) Preliminary Roundr - EVESHAM UNITED - W 3-0 (389)
4) 1st QR - STAMFORD - D 2-2 (306)
5) 1st QRr - Stamford - W 3-0 (183)
6) 2nd QR - GRANTHAM TOWN - W 2-1 (493)
7) 3rd QR - GATESHEAD - W 1-0 (546)
8) 1st Rd - Bradford Park Avenue - D 2-2 (285)
9) 1st Rdr - BRADFORD PARK AVENUE - W 2-0 (426)
10) 2nd Rd - MAIDENHEAD UNITED - D 2-2 (892)
11) 2nd Rdr - Maidenhead United - W 3-1 (275)
12) 3rd Rd - FC Halifax Town - W 1-0 (1,483)
13) 4th Rd - Barnet - W 2-1 (1,483)
14) SF 1st Leg - CONCORD RANGERS
15) SF 2nd Leg - Concord Rangers
BUILDBASE FA TROPHY SEMI-FINALS
Ties to be played over two legs on Saturday 21st and 28th March
Halesowen Town v Concord Rangers
Harrogate Town v Notts County
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