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Occasion |
Predicted XI |
Form Guide |
Route to Wembley |
Officials |
Trains |
Driving |
Coaches |
FanPark |
Wembley Tips |
How to Watch
There’s something about Wembley that never gets old. The walk up Wembley Way, the noise rolling off the concrete, the shirts, the scarves, the nerves, the hope. And this Sunday, Southend United return to the national stadium with a chance to do something we’ve never done before — lift a national trophy.
It’s our fourth Wembley cup final, but this one feels different. It feels like a reward for everything the club and its supporters have endured. Five wins have carried us to the arch, and now Wealdstone — familiar opponents this season — stand between the Shrimpers and the Isuzu FA Trophy.
Thousands of Southend fans are expected to flood the north‑west corner of the stadium, turning it into a wall of blue. If you’re going, you’ll feel it. If you’re watching from home, you’ll hear it.
The Occasion
The FA Trophy has long been the non‑league road to Wembley, and for Southend it represents a chance to finally put something meaningful in the cabinet. We’ve had heartbreak here before — 2004, 2005, 2013 — but we’ve also tasted glory with that unforgettable 2015 play‑off win. This time, it’s about writing a new chapter. A positive one. A proud one.
Predicted XI (Shrimpers‑Online)
Andeng‑Ndi
Austin – Goodliffe – Ralph – Gubbins – Bridge
Appiah‑Forson – Morton – Coker
Cardwell – Dallas
It’s a side built on balance: a back line that knows how to dig in, Bridge offering that spark and drive also his last game for Southend United, and a front two who can bully defenders and finish chances. It’s a team that feels made for a big pitch and a big moment.
Form Guide
Both sides arrive at Wembley with mixed form, but Southend’s recent win over Wealdstone gives us a psychological edge. Here’s how the two teams have shaped up in their last six matches:
Southend – Last Six
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Wealdstone – Last Six
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Route to Wembley
Southend’s run has been controlled, confident and clinical. Wealdstone’s has been dramatic, chaotic and full of late twists. Two very different journeys — one final destination.
Southend
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Wealdstone
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Match Officials
Referee: Farai Hallam
Assistants: Blake Antrobus & Alistair Nelson
Fourth Official: Matt Corlett
Trains – Important Sunday Info
If you’re travelling by train, brace yourself — c2c have chosen the worst possible weekend for engineering works. There are no trains to or from Fenchurch Street, and the whole network is shuffled around like a deck of cards.
All services run into Liverpool Street, stopping at Stratford but skipping Limehouse and West Ham. If you’re coming from the Ockendon line, you’ll need to change at Upminster or Grays. The Rainham line runs through to Shoeburyness as normal.
The simplest route: Southend → Liverpool Street → Metropolitan line → Wembley Park.
Driving, Parking & ULEZ
Driving to Wembley is absolutely doable — but only if you know the rules. The stadium sits inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone, meaning non‑compliant vehicles will be charged £12.50 the moment they enter the area.
Official parking is the safest option: Red, Pink, Green and Blue car parks, all within a short walk of the stadium. They must be pre‑booked, and Blue Badge spaces are available.
Avoid street parking — Brent Council enforce it hard — and avoid pop‑up car parks, which are often uninsured and unpatrolled.
If you’d rather avoid Wembley traffic altogether, park at Stanmore, Canons Park or Watford and jump on the Tube.
Shrimpers Trust Coaches
The Shrimpers Trust are running their usual Wembley operation, with coaches leaving from Roots Hall at 11am and Basildon’s Watermill at midday. Arrive early, queue sensibly, and if you need assistance, contact the Trust in advance.
Accessibility: 07892 905338 • travel@shrimperstrust.co.uk
No alcohol, smoking or vaping on coaches.
Southend FanPark @ BOXPARK Wembley
If you want atmosphere, this is the place. BOXPARK will be bouncing with DJs, live music, giveaways, four bars and more food options than you’ll know what to do with.
- Southend & AFC Stoneham fans only
- Match ticket holders only
- Free before 12:30pm
- £12 after 12:30pm if space remains
- Open until 11pm
- Not screening the games
Wembley Tips
Food & Drink
Wembley is cashless, so bring a card. BOXPARK is cheaper and louder, and the street vendors outside the stadium are quicker than the queues inside.
Bags
Wembley’s bag policy is strict — small bags only. Don’t get caught out at the turnstiles.
Where to Sit
Southend fans are in the north‑west quadrant. If you want noise, the Blue Voice are in blocks 133, 134 and 135.
Timing
Aim to arrive at Wembley Park by 2pm. If you want guaranteed entry to BOXPARK, get there before 12:30pm.
What to Bring
Charged phone, portable charger, match ticket, small bag, and your loudest voice.
How to Watch
Non‑League Finals Day is live on TNT Sports & HBO Max.
FA Vase Final – 12:30pm
FA Trophy Final – 4:30pm
Final Word
This club has been through hell and back. Now we stand on the brink of something we’ve never had — a national trophy. Whatever happens, enjoy the day, enjoy the noise, enjoy the moment. Wembley awaits. The Shrimpers march on.