Hartlepool AFC Supporters’ hunt for financial boost ahead of historic FA Sunday Cup semi final
A jubilant football team are appealing for community backing as they prepare for the biggest game in their proud history.
Reigning Hartlepool Sunday League champions Hartlepool AFC Supporters booked their place in the final four of the FA Sunday Cup following a heart-stopping penalty shoot out victory over Sunderland outfit Southwick at Grayfields.
Goalkeeper Robert Dean emerged as the hero of the hour with his vital saves in the last two rounds from the spot ensuring that Supporters progressed to face East London Ballers on Sunday, March 22
However, the euphoria of reaching the semi finals for the first time has been tempered by the financial reality of competing at the business end of a national FA tournament.
While the Football Association takes over the hiring of a neutral venue and match officials, significant funds are still required to cover the trip.
Kevin Dixon, the Supporters’ club secretary, said: “Effectively, this will cost us a lot of money to play this game, which is hard to believe when you consider the money in the game these days.
"We just want to try to ensure everything is in place to try to reach the final and go all the way.”
Despite the financial hurdle, Supporters are determined to give the players a professional experience, including hiring a team coach thanks to the connections of Hartlepool-born Harrogate Town winger Ellis Taylor.
The squad and committee plan to travel down to the venue on the Saturday night to ensure they are fully prepared for the Sunday showdown.
However, with a fundraising target of £2,000 needed to cover travel, accommodation and other overheads, the club are looking to the town for help.
Another headache has presented itself too, with the committee finding it hard to source coach travel for fans because Newcastle United and Sunderland are due to face each other on the same day in the Premier League.
Mr Dixon added: “We are so proud to be representing Hartlepool on the national stage and we would love to keep going and see if we can win the competition.
“We hate to appeal for financial support as we try to generate our own money, but we want the team to be able to focus on the game rather than the costs.”
The match will take place at a neutral venue somewhere between Hartlepool and London, with the FA expected to confirm the location soon.
Mr Dixon said: “We are so thankful to everyone who is supporting us. As soon as we know the ground, we will be releasing details for supporters' coaches - provided we can get them - so the town can get behind us in person.
“We are so grateful to our current sponsors and the Supporters Club for their unwavering loyalty and help, not just this season but for a number of years.
“If there are any extra local businesses or individuals interested in supporting the team’s push for national glory, please help the lads represent the town at the highest level of Sunday football.”
*Get in touch through Instagram on @hartlepoolafcsupporters if you want to help.