The Pitching In Isthmian Football League

Mariners next up for mighty Rocks!

29 Feb 2016 By David Watters

Bognor Regis Town are getting ready to host Grimsby Town in one of the biggest games in the Ryman Premier club's history following the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.

Manager Jamie Howell and his giant-killing Rocks squad - 1-0 victors over National League outfit Torquay United in their quarter-final on Saturday - were paired with The Mariners in Monday morning's draw which was broadcast live from Wembley on talkSPORT's Colin Murray Show.

After being pulled out of the hat by journalist Des Kelly and former Sunderland and England defender Micky Gray, Howell's heroes will host the National League outfit in the first leg at Nyewood Lane on Saturday 12 March with the return leg at Blundell Park a week later on Saturday 19 March.

A Snore Nilsen strike earned the Rocks a place in the last four and £8,000 in prize money at the weekend. Victory next month will see the West Sussex club collect another £16,000 and book their berth at the national stadium to face either Nantwich Town or FC Halifax and Gateshead who replay this week.

The FA Trophy Final on Sunday 22 May is taking place at Wembley after the FA Vase is played on the first ever Non-League Finals Day and Howells believes his Ryman Premier outfit have a great chance of being there for the historic occasion having already dispatched Torquay United, Sutton United, Altrincham and Maidstone United en route to the last eight.

The former FA Youth Cup winner with Arsenal told talkSPORT's listeners: "We have already played three National League sides on the way to the semi-finals and we will take what comes. We are the underdogs again but I know the lads are up for it and we will be giving it out our best shot to go all the way to Wembley."

FA Trophy Semi-Final Draw

Nantwich Town v FC Halifax or Gateshead

Bognor Regis Town v Grimsby Town

* Tickets to the first ever Non-League Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22 May are on sale now - with child tickets available from just £1.

The Wembley showpiece will host both The FA Vase and FA Trophy Finals, with tickets priced at £25 for adults, £10 for concessions and £1 for U16s.

There is also a group rate of £12.50 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for children. For more information visit TheFA.com.

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Where next?

FA confirm cup deadline for clubs The Football Association's competitions department has confirmed the deadline for the Ryman League's clubs to submit their online applications to compete in next season's national cup competitions.

Saturday's Ryman North action review It was top versus bottom in the Ryman North on Saturday and the form book was certainly adhered to as leaders AFC Sudbury moved twelve points clear with a 5-1 win against Redbridge, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.