Not to be for Newport Pagnell Town this time

Holders unseated by promoted Ascot Utd

Action from the Isuzu 2023 FA Vase final between Ascot Utd and Newport Pagnell Town

Non League Finals Day for me represents the end of the season, merely because it’s the showpiece finals for the year although contracts for the top level run until the 30^th June despite players reporting back for pre-season training on 26^th June, confused? I’m not surprised!

This time last year was the first time I was back in to watch at Wembley, reduced capacity and no fans allowed gave me a couple of years off, returning as part of the Littlehampton Gazette media coverage but within the fans where I wanted to be and not up in the press box.

I was also part of that run for the Golds through to the final, a once in a lifetime moment for the club, players and supporters, although Newport Pagnell were here for the second year running, the first time a club had returned the year after to defend their trophy since 2011.

Standing in their way were Ascot Utd a side like Littlehampton who powered their way to a title win at Step 5 and promotion to the Isthmian League for next season, Pagnell unlucky again not to get up themselves into Step 4.