I am very proud that Tunbridge Wells are playing at Wembley, says Kent League chair Denise Richmond

Martin Larkin’s side will face big-spenders Spennymoor Town in The FA Carlsberg Vase Final on Saturday, 4 May (3pm).

The Wells defeated Northern League Shildon 2-0 in front of the club’s largest crowd at Culverden Stadium in the first leg and went through to the final by winning the tie 4-3 on aggregate, despite losing the second leg 3-2 – central defender Perry Spackman scoring the decisive goal deep into extra time on Saturday.

Richmond said: “I am sure you would all wish to join me in congratulating Tunbridge Wells in reaching the FA Vase Final to be held at Wembley on May 4.

“I have to say there is no greater achievement for a club at this level of football, it is every player’s dream to play at Wembley and Tunbridge Wells are only the second club in the Kent League to reach this pinnacle.”

She added: “Personally I am very proud that Tunbridge Wells are playing at Wembley – after many hard fought games over the last three months – no more than they deserve and we need to make sure the Kent League are there to support them.

“When Deal Town won the FA Vase in 2000 the crowd was a massive 20,000 plus.  Last year it was only just over 5,000. In order to ensure that the FA Vase continues to be played at Wembley and that every player who plays in the Kent League has the opportunity to fulfil that dream, just as Tunbridge Wells players are about to do, we need to be there to back them.

“So everyone buy your tickets, book your coaches and go to Wembley on 4 May to support them.”

Tickets are priced at £15 (adults) and £5 (under 16s) and are available via the FA website www.TheFA.com/tickets or by calling the hotline 0844 980 0656.

Online bookings are limited to 10 tickets per transaction.  To purchase more than 10 tickets please call 0844 980 0656.  Please note, payment must be made using a valid credit or debit card.  Unfortunately The FA are unable to accept payment by American Express or cheque.

All tickets subject to availability and fees and are subject to the terms and conditions of The Football Association.

Tunbridge Wells return to the bread and butter of the Kent Hurlimann League when they welcome Lordswood – whose FA Vase run was ended by Spennymoor Town in the fourth round – to Culverden Stadium on Wednesday night (7:45pm).

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk