OLLIE Watkins didn’t just fire England into tonight’s Euro 2024 final – he made Weston-superMare’s everyday extraordinary.
The Aston Villa ace’s dash, hold-up and low drive through the legs of Stefan de Vrij rasped into the bottom far corner as the clock struck 90 to see off Holland 2-1 in Dortmund on Wednesday, sending living rooms and NonLeague clubhouses berserk over the prospect of a shot at glory against Spain (8pm).
The Devon deadeye’s moment in the spotlight came minutes after coming on and less than a decade after his loan spell at Weston from boyhood club Exeter City where he helped preserve Step 2 status back in 2015.
But while the world and his wife marvel over Weston’s polishing of this particular diamond, current boss Scott Bartlett insists it is just one example of the work that the Seagulls are renowned for.
This story is from the July 14, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 14, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR TAGS TEAM
I FELT like I had been magically transported to an alternative universe of Non-League spectator consumption on my recent visit to Hashtag United.
BAZZA'S BACK AT SAINTS WITH IAN
ST ALBANS City have brought in Ian Culverhouse to help rescue their season – and welcomed the return of a legend at the same time.
RECORD NOT ON RYAN'S AGENDA
QUORN player-boss Ryan Beswick won't be drawn on whether he is aiming to make his side Northern Premier League Midlands Division 'invincibles' after a stunning first half of the season.
DOCKERS SPOIL CITY PARTY AT THE DEATH
TILBURY were the party poopers this weekend, as they defeated Cambridge City at the newly opened FWD-IP Community Stadium in front of 1,459 fans.
BLUES ARE GUNNING FOR A CUP BONANZA
HERTFORD Town's youngsters are Gunn-ing for glory in the FA Youth Cup - as they prepare for a plumb tie against the mighty Arsenal.
DEAN'S IN IT TO WINS IT AT BLUES
AT the start of the season, the FA Vase was barely on Winsford United’s radar.
WE'RE DIALLED IN FOR A GLORY RUN
STEP 7 club Dial Square FC have reached another milestone after stretching their unbeaten home record to TWO YEARS!
AXED ANGELO PLANS AN INSTANT RETURN
ANGELO Harrop insists he will bounce back from his shock sacking by Braintree Town - and is already preparing to dive back into management.
THOMAS LEAVES IT LATE FOR MARTYRS
FRAZER Thomas netted an 88th-minute winner to give Merthyr Town victory and end Bracknell’s 13-match unbeaten run in the Southern League Premier South.
OSHILAJA SEES RED IN LATE DRAMA
AN incredible finish saw Dover pegged back in this top-of-the-table clash.