Harrogate Town to contest FA Trophy final at Wembley behind closed doors

Harrogate Town supporters will not be allowed to attend Wembley Stadium to watch their team take on Concord Rangers in the 2019/20 FA Trophy final.
By Rhys Howell
Published 11th Mar 2021, 17:02 BST
Updated 11th Mar 2021, 17:46 BST
Harrogate Town won the 2019/20 National League play-off final, beating Notts County 3-1 at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Matt KirkhamHarrogate Town won the 2019/20 National League play-off final, beating Notts County 3-1 at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town won the 2019/20 National League play-off final, beating Notts County 3-1 at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Matt Kirkham

The FA announced on Thursday afternoon that last season's Non-League Finals Day - which had to be postponed due Covid-19 restrictions - will now take place on May 3.

With spectators not permitted to return to sporting events until May 17, this development will come as a huge blow to Town fans.

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August's National League play-off final against Notts County was also played in front of empty stands at the home of football, and it had been hoped that what is only the club's second-ever Wembley appearance would be rearranged for a date that would allow a limited number of supporters to attend.

Harrogate Town's players celebrate after taking an early lead against Notts County at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Getty ImagesHarrogate Town's players celebrate after taking an early lead against Notts County at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Getty Images
Harrogate Town's players celebrate after taking an early lead against Notts County at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

The FA, however, claims that this was not possible.

A statement read: 'The 2019/20 Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase Finals, due to take place on Sunday 27 September 2020, were unfortunately postponed following updated COVID-19 restrictions from the UK Government.

'The finals, which sit under the banner of The FA’s Non-League Finals Day, will now take place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Monday May 3, 2021.

'Despite our best efforts to accommodate limited spectators, a suitable date was sadly not available and both the Buildbase FA Vase Final between Consett and Hebburn Town and Buildbase FA Trophy Final featuring Harrogate Town and Concord Rangers will be played behind closed doors.'

Related topics:Wembley

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