Semi-Professional took a look back at the final of 2021 Buildbase FA Vase Trophy, which saw Warrington Rylands win their first title in the clubs 115-year history.
In 2021, Warrington Rylands F.C won the Buildbase FA Vase Trophy at Wembley after beating Binfield F.C 3-2.
A huge milestone for the club who have come a long way from poor attendances at home to winning at Wembley.
The 47th final between teams playing in the 9-11 tiers of the English football pyramid was contested by Binfield F.C of the Hellenic League Premier Division and Warrington Rylands 1906 F.C who play in the North West Counties League Premier Division.
The win for Warrington Rylands made it their first title in their 115-year history.
The ball was in the net in the 22nd minute after Milne latched onto Rick Smith’s excellent pass and rounded Grace before finishing, but his effort was chalked off for offside by referee John Busby.
The newly-promoted Northern Premier League West side endured early pressure but continued to grow in confidence. Going in front when Nevitt volleyed home in the 25th minute after Joe Coveney’s clever headed pass.
Nevitt had eyes on a second goal after a disguised pass from Milne, but after Liam Gavin blocked the attempt, Binfield broke on the counter attack and Liam Ferdinand headed in Moore’s cross to make it 1-1 three minutes before half time.
Immediately after the restart, Gavin brought down Charlie Doyle in the box with Nevitt – who also scored the winner for Campfield FC in the FA Sunday Cup final recently – added a third to restore Rylands’ lead.
Ferdinand completed his brace with little over 20 minutes to go to keep Binfield in the game.
The match resumed in a quieter fashion than the first half had ended as Binfield looked to score a winner, but their uphill task became steeper when Nevitt headed in his third goal just before the hour.
And though both sides enjoyed chances in the closing stages no-one was able to add their name to the scoresheet, with Warrington seeing out the contest to get their hands on the coveted trophy.
Michael Smith, assistant manager to David McNabb looks back on the victory as a key moment in his career.
“Yeah, it was unbelievable, obviously, it was COVID-19 times, so we were just playing FA Vase games, we weren’t playing league games. So everyone was looking forward to the games all the time and when we were able to get together and train it was always good and fun. The experience, the run-up to it was unbelievable and the whole weekend, with what the club did for us, was special,” he said.
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