MATTY MOFFAT hopes for more tears at Wembley if West Auckland can make it to the FA Vase final – but this time tears of joy.
Moffat captained West as they lost 2-0 to Northern League rivals Dunston UTS in the 2012 final and was forced to wear a protective mask after breaking his cheekbone.
Dunston also knocked Moffat’s side out of the competition last season at the second round stage but West finally got their revenge last Saturday as they won 1-0 to go through to the semi-finals where they face Step 6 St Andrews.
And the striker is aiming for a Wembley return to erase the bad memories of two years ago.
“We had a gameplan against Dunston and it went exactly how we wanted it to, we deserved to win,” he told The NLP.
“They’ve had a hold over us the past couple of years so it was nice to get one over on them.
“Wembley is a fantastic place to play but it’s absolutely horrible to lose there and it was hard to take. It was heartbreaking with all my family being there and there was a tear in my eye when Dunston lifted the trophy.”
West will have to overcome Leicestershire side St Andrews if they want to book a Wembley return and Moffat is certain they won’t be taken lightly.
“As soon as the draw was made I went onto Google and searched for their website to read up on them,” he added.
“They’re doing well in their league and you know you’re going to face a good side in the semi-final of the Vase.
“I was brought up in West Auckland and now live down just the road in Bishop Auckland so I know how much this means to the town – they’re buzzing.
“My mum, dad and the whole family are really excited and if we can get past St Andrews, who will be a huge test, I’d love to win the Vase for the whole town.”
*This article first appeared in The NLP on Sunday, March 16
