Club committee member Tommy Rose on how the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division minnows reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase

Cockfosters (in blue) defeated Droylsden 4-2 in the quarter-finals (credit @‌els_photo_graphy)

Cockfosters FC are now just one win away from competing at Wembley Stadium for the FA Vase.

The Chalk Lane club’s remarkable cup journey took another dramatic step forward with a superb late surge to defeat Droylsden FC 4–2 and book their place in the semi-final of the competition, which is contested between clubs at the fifth and sixth steps of the non-league pyramid.

The quarter-final fixture on Saturday, 28th February, presented one of the toughest assignments of the campaign.

A lengthy trip north to Greater Manchester awaited Gavin Kelsey’s side, who faced an established and experienced Droylsden team in front of another large and expectant crowd. But as they have throughout this cup run, Cockfosters rose to the occasion.

In a fiercely contested match, the sides were locked together deep into the second half before Cockfosters produced a decisive late spell to pull clear. A goal apiece from Conrad Holland and, on his debut, Ollie Sotoyinbo, proved decisive. It followed first-half goals from Cory Ugbomah and Kendall Gyamfi.

The two late goals secured a memorable 4–2 victory, sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters who had made the long journey to witness another historic moment in the club’s season.

Next up are Kent-based Punjab United FC, who await in a two-legged semi-final. For the first time in the club’s history, Cockfosters will compete in a last-four tie with a place in the Wembley final at stake.

The first leg will be played at Chalk Lane on Saturday, 28 March, with the return leg scheduled for the following weekend on Saturday, 4th April. Interest in the home fixture has been extraordinary, with tickets selling rapidly and a capacity crowd expected as the local community turns out in force to support the club.

After a cup run defined by late goals, penalty shoot-out drama and determined performances on the road, Cockfosters now find themselves just 180 minutes away from the biggest stage in English football.

For a club that has already made history this season, the dream of Wembley is now closer than ever.

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