Marine’s Adam Anson Says Wembley Would Be Life-Changing Experience

Marine FC defender Adam Anson states it would be a life-changing experience for the team to book a place at Wembley.

The Mariners travel to Wealdstone this weekend in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, as the two teams compete for a place at the national stadium on May 17. 

Anson, who has previously played for Southport and Alfreton, believes Bobby Grant’s side have the togetherness required to set themselves up for a once in a career experience. 

“I don’t think I know many players who have played at Wembley,” he admitted. 

“I’ve been in non-league nine years now, and I think I know one lad who has played there in an FA Trophy game. 

“It’s quite unheard of and it’s very rare to be in this position. All of the lads are buzzing; it’d be a disappointment to get so far and get knocked out in the semi-finals – it’d be a hard pill to swallow to fall at the final hurdle when you’ve worked so far to get to this point. 

“We’ve prepared right. We’re travelling down on Friday and doing an overnight stay. 

“You never know what could happen – we’ve beaten two National League sides already, so if we can make it three, we’ve got a trip to Wembley. 

“We have to respect every opposition but we’re at our best when we’re the underdogs. When teams come to us they think we’ll roll over, but we’re best when our backs are up against the wall. 

“As a Marine team we’re hard working, we work for each other and we fight for every ball, but we can play good football, we’re not just a direct team. We can be a threat to anyone.

“It’d be life changing (to make the final) because I think you only get the chance once as a footballer at this level, especially as a National League North player when you come up against a lot of full time clubs along the way.

“If we got there, it’d be a privilege with the team we’ve got – lads who are working their socks off week in, week out. It’s a massive occasion for everyone. For the fans, it’s something to cheer about.”

Anson made the move to Marine back in October, and admits Rossett Park quickly started feeling like home. 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time so far – I’ve played with a few of the players previously,” he added. 

“It was a no-brainer for me to come closer to home with work and stuff. It was the obvious choice to leave Alfreton because the distance was becoming too much and there was quite a lot of change going on there. 

“Since I’ve come here, it’s everything I want – a good fanbase, a community club, and on the pitch we’re doing really well. 

“I watched the FA Cup game against Tottenham on TV back in the day, and the way the club has gone since then – they used to get an average of 300 fans a game, but I can’t believe it as there’s now a minimum of 1,200 there. 

“To see where the club has come in such a short amount of time is testament to the board and the committee, and how it’s filtered down to Neil Young and now the gaffer Bobby (Grant).

“The club is looking in one direction going up. We’re looking forward to the FA Trophy, and you never know where that could get you because it’s more money into the club, and hopefully next year we can push further.”

Anson states he’s motivated to prove past doubters wrong, and believes the current cup run with Marine has done exactly that. 

“Everyone’s got a ceiling in football, and once you know that, you’ve got to stay at that level for as long as you can,” he noted. 

“People make excuses about why they’ve not gone up to certain leagues, but sometimes you’ve got a level, and that’s where your level is. 

“When I left Southport, it was a sour one to take. I had a good five years there, I gave my all, but when certain members of staff came in, they had their own opinions. 

“I respect everyone’s opinion, but when they talk crap about you behind your back, it’s not nice to hear. Sometimes you want to prove people wrong a little bit. 

“I’m on my way to a semi-final on Saturday. Southport are doing the exact same, but that certain member of staff won’t be there. 

“Sometimes you’ve got to swallow your pride. I’m at a semi-final and someone’s sat at home without a club, so it’s nice for me to prove a point. 

“You get pelters all your life, people have opinions on you, whether it’s right or wrong, but at the end of the day it’s a game of football, and some people will like you and some people won’t.”

Marine FC take on Wealdstone in the FA Trophy semi final on Saturday 28 March, at 3pm.