Shields skipper Kevin Hughes jokes that he’s saving his first goal of the season for Saturday when they face Glossop at Wembley.

Defender Hughes will lead the Northern League side out for the club’s second appearance at the famous stadium, but he’s yet to find the back of the net this season – although he’s much more effective at the other end. He blocked an effort on the line in the semi final against Highworth to prevent the visitors pulling level on aggregate.

“Graham Fenton approached me last week and asked if me I’d scored this season,” he said. “I told him that I hadn’t, and that I was saving my first goal for Wembley. Our goalkeeper,. Michael Robinson, might have a better chance than me. He’s scored in a couple of games in the past with long clearances – he can get a huge distance on them.”

Only one Shields player – John Parker – has appeared at Wembley before, and Hughes said; “I went there to watch my brother-in-law, Lee Novak, play at Wembley for Huddersfield against Sheffield United. The game went to extra time and penalties.

“Gareth Bainbridge and I went to the media day, and the place was awesome. It’s completely different walking up the tunnel to being in the seats. The ground is unbelievable when you see it from the players’ tunnel and the pitch. It is gigantic.

“I’m sure the manager and his staff will make sure we’re ok. He’s already asked me to keep an eye on a couple of our lads about playing there, but I think the majority of the lads will be fine and take it all in their stride.

“We’re hoping to have everyone fit. Nobody wants to miss Wembley, but there’s no point in someone declaring themselves fit if they’re carrying a knock and have to go off after 15/20 minutes. Speaking to Lee, it gets hot inside the stadium, and there’s not much wind, so we’ll need our subs later in the game.

“Graham Fenton has been the best manager I’ve played under because everything is so thought out, and training is very good. We’ve worked quite a bit this week on what we think are Glossop’s strengths and weaknesses. Our togetherness is fantastic, there are no little cliques. Everybody is in this together, so we’ll all be helping each other as much as possible.”

This could be the last Vase final to be played on its own unique day, as the FA is planning to play the Trophy final on the same day next season. That would mean an end to the traditional 3pm kick off, and either a much earlier or much later start.