The Non-League Football Paper

BOWERS HAS A VASE PLAN FOR ROVERS

- By Danny Rust

MARCUS Bowers is dreaming of leading Great Wakering Rovers all the way to Wembley after making history by guiding the Essex Senior League side into the Isuzu FA Vase quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Having sealed a 3-2 win over Highworth Town earlier this month, thanks to a 90th minute header from Perry Dunn, Rovers are preparing to welcome Falmouth Town to Burroughs Park on March 9 with a place in the last four at stake.

Bowers, who was appointed as Wakering’s boss in October after a successful period in charge of Basildon Town, has conceded it is difficult not to think about competing for silverware under the famous arch as his squad are brimming with confidence.

He told The NLP: “I am dreaming of Wembley. It’s hard not to when you reach this stage of the competitio­n.

“A few rounds ago, there was such a small chance of us getting to the final, but there is a belief within the squad that we can get there.

“We have overcome so many hurdles to get to this stage and we are very close now, having already made history for the club.

“It’s pretty surreal to have got to the quarter-finals of the FA Vase, and this is right at the top of my achievemen­ts in management. I had some really good times at Basildon Town, but this run to the last eight of the competitio­n has been great.”

So far, Rovers have eliminated Basildon Town, Buckhurst Hill, St Neots Town, Downham Town, Fakenham Town and Whitchurch Alport before inflicting last-minute heartbreak on Highworth. And Bowers says that the lucrative run to the latter stages of the FA Vase has united Wakering.

“We’re enjoying really good times at the moment, and there is a togetherne­ss within the club as a whole,” he added.

 ?? PICTURE: Nicky Hayes ?? GREAT WORK: Harry Talbot celebrates his goal against Highworth
PICTURE: Nicky Hayes GREAT WORK: Harry Talbot celebrates his goal against Highworth

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