DAVE McNabb says Warrington Rylands’ achievement of lifting the FA Vase is “nothing short of sensational.”

After winning through nine rounds to reach Wembley Stadium, Blues edged out Binfield after a thrilling final.

It caps off a memorable if shortened season for McNabb’s men, who were confirmed as being accepted into the Northern Premier League for 2021-22 earlier this week.

“It’s difficult to sum up at the minute as it’s so raw, but I’ve got so much pride in the club,” the Rylands boss said.

“From the top, the committee all the way through the volunteers and especially the players.

“What that group of players has achieved today is nothing short of sensational.

“You saw in the last 10 minutes of that game just how close this group is.

“They put their bodies on the line, threw themselves in front of everything, won headers when they knew they were going to get hurt.

“It’s really strange because that (promotion) was the one thing we really wanted to achieve this season but because of the preparations for the Vase, it’s sort of been pushed aside.

“There’s going to be a massive celebration tonight because we’ve achieved two massive things.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d be sat here at Wembley with our hands on the Vase.”

Warrington Rylands lift the FA Vase. Picture by Thomas Jackson/TyneSightPhotographic

Warrington Rylands lift the FA Vase. Picture by Thomas Jackson/TyneSightPhotographic

Quite rightly, the plaudits will go to striker Elliott Nevitt for a stunning individual display.

He netted a hat-trick – becoming the first player to do so in an FA Vase Final since 1979 – and was named man of the match.

Having also won the FA Sunday Cup with Liverpool side Campfield FC last weekend, it caps a memorable few weeks for the 21-year-old.

“He’s a fantastic player – he’s had some week having squashed the Sunday national cup in the middle,” McNabb said.

“He’s a great kid, really quiet and down-to-earth and he’s a big part of the dressing room.

“As a player, he’s got so many raw attributes. He’s still got a few things he needs to work on, but what a player he is.”

Elliott Nevitt wheels away having opened the scoring. Picture by Mark Percy

Elliott Nevitt wheels away having opened the scoring. Picture by Mark Percy

Nevitt’s opener came as Blues settled after a nervy start, but Liam Ferdinand headed home an equaliser just prior to the break.

Immediately afterwards, though, Charlie Doyle was hacked down in the box and Nevitt converted from the spot.

The frontman nodded in Joe Coveney’s corner just shy of the hour mark to give his side a two-goal lead and despite a well-taken second goal from Ferdinand setting up a nervy finish, the Gorsey Lane men were more than good enough to hold on.

“It's been a common theme in the bigger games where we’ve started quite slowly,” McNabb said.

“I think that comes down to it being a young and inexperienced squad but they grew into the game after 10-15 minutes. They started to move the ball around a little bit faster.

“We got the goal, they equalised but fortunately we hit them straight away and got the lead back.

“When you concede a goal, your heart sinks but the lads didn’t let it affect them.

“It’s a great run by Charlie, it’s a clear penalty and Elliott has put it away.

“I thought we were really good in the second half with how we came out, got the third goal and probably could have had another.

“To be fair to Binfield, they haven’t stopped and that’s left a nervy last 15 minutes.

“It was two good sides trying to play football in the right way.

“They’ve shown a massive amount of class before and after the game. The whole team stayed, watched us lift the Vase and shook all our hands.”

Ste Milne in action at Wembley. Picture by PA WIre

Ste Milne in action at Wembley. Picture by PA WIre

Blues were backed by a 1,500-strong army of family, friends and supporters at Wembley, with their allocation selling out in just four days on a short turnaround having only qualified for the final a week ago.

McNabb was full of praise for the support his side received, not just in London but across the season.

“I think that’s the bit that is the hardest to put into words.

“The support the guys get from friends and family, from the club and the fans, is second to none.

“The support I get personally from my other half Rebecca and my daughter Daisy – the sacrifices they make with me going to games on a Tuesday night and being on the phone to players all the time, I can’t thank them enough.

“We’ve sold the best part of 1,500 tickets with four or five days notice.

“People have been up at five in the morning to get here – I can’t thank all of them enough.”

Warrington Rylands fans and players celebrate winning the Buildbase FA Vase 2020/21 Final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 22, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Vase. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS:

Warrington Rylands fans and players celebrate winning the Buildbase FA Vase 2020/21 Final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 22, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Vase. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS:

And the plans for this evening?

“I think we’ll probably have a shandy or two back at the hotel.”

Warrington Rylands celebrate winning the Buildbase FA Vase 2020/21 Final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 22, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Vase. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE

Warrington Rylands celebrate winning the Buildbase FA Vase 2020/21 Final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 22, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Vase. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE