SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU BECK
MARK BECK is no stranger to Wembley but his previous experiences have lacked one – or should that be tens of thousands – rather significant details.
The 30-year-old graced the hallowed turf twice in the same season with Harrogate Town and finished on the winning side on both occasions as the Yellows celebrated a famous promotion and FA Trophy double.
But, for Beck and everyone else who lived the dream on those two particular occasions under the arch, it was an altogether different experience with only a swathe of red and white seats for company.
Now, however, the former Carlisle United, Darlington and York City striker is heading down Wembley Way once again with Solihull Moors in the Isuzu FA Trophy – and he’s determined to savour every moment.
“The stadium is fantastic,” the Tynesider told The NLP. “I’m lucky enough to have played there twice with Harrogate but unfortunately it was Covid year and there were no fans there so I’m yet to experience Wembley with supporters.
Buzzing
“Obviously that would have been a lot better so I’m buzzing to get the chance to play there again. What a stadium; lovely facilities, changing rooms, it’s just a fantastic place to play.”
Indeed, Beck could even join an elite group of players to achieve the Wembley ‘double double’ in the same season with Solihull also very much on course for the National League play-offs.
An impressive 3-0 victory over Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night left Andy Whing’s men all but assured of a play-off spot but while Beck admits that prospect excites the Moors squad, he insists no-one is getting carried away just yet.
“A Wembley trip doesn’t come round too often and we’re potentially looking at two in one season, which is phenomenal,” he added. “That’s our aim now.
“The gaffer has touched on it as well. He said he never made it to Wembley in his career, it just goes to show you’ve got to be very lucky to get there.
“All the lads are buzzing, we’re really looking forward to it, but we’ve kind of parked it for now. We had a bit of a celebration on Saturday after the Trophy semi-final win at Bromley but our full focus is now on the league for the time being.
“We’ve got a good dressing room, but even though there’s a lot of young boys in there, we’ve remained professional about it.
“We could have easily been a bit flat here tonight after such a high on Saturday but the boys were tremendous and remained very level-headed.”
Beck also won two of the three play-off campaigns he competed in with Harrogate and reckons Moors are showing similar signs of progression.
“We’re in a good place at the minute, everyone is onside and pushing towards the same goal,” he concluded.
“We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth, a lot of energy in the side and we’ve got a few people like myself and Labs [Joss Labadie], who have been about a bit who can put a foot in as well.
“I’m really enjoying my football at the moment and there’s no reason why this side can’t go on a get promotion and win the FA Trophy as well. That would be fantastic for all concerned.”