Newport Pagnell want to make more history as they try to keep the FA Vase…
- Newport Pagnell hopes to make more history in the FA Vase Final at Wembley
- They play Ascot United in search of the second successive FA Vase
- Pagnell won three penalties en route to the final
To many, the town of Newport Pagnell is best known for its petrol station on the M1. But as they head to Wembley on Sunday in search of more silverware, the town’s football team are doing their best to write their own chapter in local history.
It all started last season when they beat favorites Littlehampton Town 3-0 in the FA Vase final. Less than a year later, non-League’s cup experts are back, fighting for the same trophy and the chance to become only the fifth side to win consecutive Vase trophies.
Their route to Wembley’s showpiece this season has been no less dramatic. Pagnell has earned himself the title of penalty shootout kings in the lower echelons of the pyramid, having won three shootouts last year and three more on his way to the final this year.
Call it coincidence, coincidence even. But Pagnell’s 33-year-old goalkeeper, Martin Conway, a gym teacher by trade, would argue otherwise. In both seasons he has proven not only hard to beat from 12 yards out, but deadly from the spot itself, scoring and saving at least one penalty in all but one shootout in the two Cup runs.
“I don’t want to doubt myself, but I really can’t remember losing a penalty shootout since I started playing adult football at 16,” explains Conway.
Newport Pagnell players celebrate with fans after progressing to another FA Vase final where they play Ascot United
The team’s goalkeeper, Martin Conway, is a PE teacher by trade, but will now play at Wembley
“People will say it’s luck, but there’s something about penalties. Goalkeepers either like them or they don’t and I absolutely love them. I have always played both on the field and in goal. I played a few games in the Conference North for Hinckley United as a substitute, but I also came on as an outfield player.
“You take so much stick when you make mistakes so you have to shoulder that, a chance to win the game for your team and I just enjoy that chance.”
Unsurprisingly, he’s unwilling to reveal the secrets of his penalty-saving exploits.
“For me, it’s much more about reading body language, but there are so many things to keep in mind,” he explains. “But my wife and my older brothers are the only ones I’ve shared my tricks with, and it usually works. To me it’s much more than guesswork.’
A look at the rankings shows that the Swans are once again entering the game as underdogs. Their opponents this time are Ascot of the Combined Counties Premier Division North (stage nine of English football). On paper, the Yellas look like a formidable opponent, winning their division at a gallop, winning 33 of their 38 games, scoring 99 goals and finishing with a whopping 102 points.
There is a feeling around Newport Pagnell that this season’s cup round has had a negative impact on their consistency in the league. While results against top teams were good, slip-ups against teams lower in the division saw them finish in third place.
But that disappointment goes out the window for manager Gary Flinn and his side, the vast majority of whom played in last season’s final.
Gary Flinn and his Newport Pagnell side are looking for their second successive FA Vase win
Newport Pagnell would become only the 5th side to win back-to-back FA Vase trophies
“I still think it’s going to be as special as ever. I hope the players don’t get too relaxed as we’ve been there before as it’s still a great opportunity.
“I have to praise the players, if there’s a big game, they show up for it. Last year the whole occasion was brilliant. The changing rooms are like nothing we’ve ever experienced at our level before.
“I had the chance to lead the team with my son, Presley, which I will always remember. He’s eight now and he thinks going to Wembley is an everyday occurrence. He’s just started playing football himself, so he’s being shaken up a bit!’
Perhaps more valuable than any silverware is the impact of the Cup games on the club as a whole. The receipts at the gate have increased, as have the number of volunteers. The club’s committee now even consists of the mayor and mayor of the city. Conway’s heroics have even helped him in his day job.
“I moved schools last year and some of the older students who can do it on their own came to watch,” he explains. “It’s the same buzz this year, there are guys I coach on the high school soccer team asking about it and making plans.
“It’s one of those things that breaks down barriers between a teacher and kids. Much of my work involves building relationships with students and getting the best out of them. I’m glad I can use football with that.’
Win on Saturday and he’s sure to be the talk of the school hallways on Monday morning.