Calvin Hare, their goalkeeper, was back more than five years after his previous appearance as a semi-pro for Witton Albion, ending a pause prompted by the travel demands of the Northern Premier League’s top flight.
The Purps lost that night, but the 29-year-old has since performed a pivotal role in their remarkable run to the FA Trophy’s third round.
“It beats going to the gym!” he told The NLP. “I missed it, and was ready to return. Having a chance to play in probably the most glamorous tie of my career is definitely a bonus! I’ll be sure to savour the moment.”
He is referring to Saturday’s date with Hartlepool United, from the National League, at the ground his side share with landlords Bootle.
Denne historien er fra December 03, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra December 03, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CURRAN HAUNTS NASH 3 AGAIN! FER FOOTBAL GROUP
Savage delight as Macc hold nerve
WILL'S BRACE SPOT ON FOR LIONS'TITLE BID
WILL Longbottom's second-half brace from the penalty spot saw Guiseley beat Hebburn Town - a result which saw them leapfrog the Hornets in the play-off places.
CLARKE ENJOYS INSTANT IMPACT!
Returning boss sees Reds clinch late win
JACKSON STUNNER BOOSTS CLARETS
FARNHAM Town staged a second-half fightback to further cement their position at the top of the Isthmian South Central.
WELLIES ARE ON THE UP AGAIN!
THE terrible Coronavirus outbreak decimated Non-League football in many ways.
BRETT BAGS A QUICK SWITCH
Munyard joins Jammers after Regent
BEES HIT BACK IN CAPITAL THRILLER
NICKE Kabamba scored two penalties inside three second-half minutes as high-flying Barnet fought back to edge out London rivals Dagenham & Redbridge in a seven-goal thriller at Victoria Park.
NOR'S THE MERRIER FOR LATICS
SLICK Oldham Athletic cantered to a resounding victory over Tamworth - but boss Micky Mellon and his management are still demanding more!
JOE'S GOT ROBINS IN THE ZONE!
FREE-SCORING Altrincham made it five matches unbeaten as they comfortably beat struggling Southend United to close in on the playoff spots.
SHAYMEN ARE HOTI TO TROT
TEN-MAN Yeovil Town found FC Halifax unbreachable Town despite concerted efforts as the Shaymen edged this battle of National League play-off contenders at Huish Park.
