Almost 70 years have passed since Bromley FC last visited Wembley, but in May the proud club will return for its first ever FA Trophy final.

Exhilarated fans are describing it as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to see their team play at the famous Wembley Stadium.

Their tense semi-final 4-3 aggregate victory over Gateshead secured a historic place in the final against Brackley on Sunday (May 20).

Steve Denny - Bromley season ticket holder since 1992 - says winning the FA Trophy final would be a perfect 50th birthday present.

Originally from Bermondsey – Steve became a supporter after meeting his wife Amanda – a life-long Bromley fan.

He said: “My wife pushed me that way. I was a Chelsea fan beforehand, but I could no longer afford to pay £50 a ticket. I needed a football fix and I lived down the road from Bromley – I went one day after seeing flyers and I’ve supported them ever since.”

Does he miss watching Chelsea and the glamour of the Premier League?

“I don’t. Bromley might never be in the Champions League, but this cup run is our equivalent."

He added: “We have always dreamed of this, there might be the odd person who went to the 1949 Wembley match, but this could be a once in a life time.”

The 1949 FA Amateur Cup final was the first one to be held at Wembley Stadium – where Bromley beat Romford.

Chairman of the club, Jerry Dolke, said the cup run is "beyond everyone's wildest dreams".

Mr Dolke has been in charge since 2001, having previously played for the team.

He told News Shopper: "These things don't happen to you in football. It is really sinking in now.

"For me - I have put a massive part of my life into this football club, from when I walked in as a 16-year-old. The progression in the last two years has been phenomenal.

"I couldn't be a prouder chairman. If anyone deserves it - it's Bromley."

Another life-long fan is Colin Head, having followed the team for 40 years after his dad first took him when he was six-years-old.

Colin is now looking forward to taking his own seven-year-old son to watch the club play in the much anticipated Wembley final.

He told News Shopper: “We have never got anywhere near an FA Trophy final. There really is a good buzz and the youth and ladies team are doing really well too.

“At the moment the club is in the best position in all the years I’ve been going. Chairman Jerry Dolke and manager Neil Smith have exceeded all expectations.”

Bromley are having a memorable season – celebrating its 125 year anniversary and currently sitting 10th in the Vanarama National League.

News Shopper wishes the team the best of luck at Wembley to make it a year Bromley fans will never forget.

Here is how you can purchase tickets for the match https://ticketingcontent.thefa.com/NLFD%202018