Southend United are on the brink of something truly special: a trip to Wembley Stadium is just one victory away after the Shrimpers clinched a dramatic 2-1 win over Horsham in the FA Trophy quarter-final on Saturday, February 29, 2026. The atmosphere was electric at Horsham’s ground, with a huge crowd turning up for what proved to be a memorable knockout tie—one that saw Southend United, under the guidance of manager Kevin Maher, seize the initiative right from the off.
The match burst into life almost instantly. Barely two minutes had ticked by when Keenan Appiah-Forson found the back of the net, catching Horsham cold and sending the visiting supporters into raptures. The Shrimpers weren’t done yet. Just 11 minutes later, Jack Bridge doubled the advantage, giving Southend United a commanding lead before the quarter-hour mark. Horsham, managed by Dominic Di Paola, did not surrender easily. The Hornets had enjoyed their best-ever FA Trophy run, including a stunning upset over National Premier side Scunthorpe in a previous round, and they showed plenty of fight. Isaac Philpot pulled one back for the hosts, raising hopes of a comeback as Horsham pressed hard for an equalizer, but Southend’s defense held firm.
"It’s been a superb run in the Trophy for Horsham – their best ever – with a win at National Premier side Scunthorpe in a previous round the highlight," reported the Sussex Express. Indeed, Horsham’s valiant effort and the passionate home crowd made for a grand occasion, though ultimately, the Shrimpers’ early goals were enough to see them through. With that result, Southend United’s dream of playing at Wembley is alive and well—they’re now just one win away from reaching the iconic stadium in the FA Trophy final.
The semi-final draw, made on March 2, 2026, has set the stage for two tantalizing matchups. Southend United will travel to Haig Avenue to face Southport, while Wealdstone will host Marine at Grosvenor Vale. The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, and the stakes could hardly be higher: a place at Wembley and a shot at Non-League silverware. For the four clubs still standing—Southend United, Southport, Wealdstone, and Marine—the next 90 minutes could define their season.
Southport’s journey to the semi-final has been no less dramatic. Managed by former Colchester United midfielder Neil Danns, Southport are currently 17th in National League North but have shown remarkable resilience in the cup. Their quarter-final saw them edge past Yeovil Town on penalties, and they’re unbeaten in their last five games. Southport’s cup pedigree will be tested against a Southend side that’s navigated potential banana skins with composure, including that hard-fought win at Horsham. The sides have recent history, too—Southport lost 1-0 to Southend at Roots Hall last season in the FA Trophy, a result that will surely add extra spice to the semi-final rematch.
For Southend United, the semi-final is more than just another fixture. After last year’s play-off heartache, the Shrimpers are hungry for redemption and a return to Wembley. The club’s path to this point has not been without its challenges, but Maher’s side have shown grit and a knack for rising to the occasion. With a place in the final and a £15,000 prize at stake (losing semi-finalists will receive £5,000—a significant sum at this level), the incentive couldn’t be clearer. The Shrimpers’ fans, who have followed the club through thick and thin, will be dreaming of a day out at the national stadium, and the players are well aware of what’s on the line.
On the other side of the bracket, Wealdstone and Marine are set for a fascinating showdown at Grosvenor Vale. Wealdstone, currently 15th in the National League, have already beaten Southend United twice this season—a stat that won’t be lost on Shrimpers fans or the squad themselves. The Stones, managed by Gary Waddock (a former Southend caretaker boss), booked their semi-final spot with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Kidderminster Harriers. Their recent form has been steady, with two wins on the bounce after a tricky spell. Wealdstone’s supporters will be hoping for a repeat of their 1984-85 FA Trophy triumph, and with home advantage in the semi-final, they’ll fancy their chances.
Marine, meanwhile, are enjoying a strong campaign under manager Bobby Grant. The Crosby-based club sit 11th in National League North and have won three of their last four games. Their quarter-final win over Woking was a classic cup upset, and the Mariners will arrive at Grosvenor Vale with plenty of belief. Marine have shown they can mix it with higher-tier opposition, and a place at Wembley would be a remarkable achievement for Grant and his players.
"The Isuzu FA Trophy semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, 28th March 2026. The ties will decide who books their place at Wembley, with the competition now down to its final four," reported The Non-League Paper. The excitement is palpable as the big day approaches. Not only is a trip to Wembley at stake, but the financial rewards could be transformative for the clubs involved. At a time when balancing budgets is a constant challenge, the prize money on offer provides a much-needed boost.
The anticipation is building among supporters across the country. Southend United’s journey has captured the imagination, but they’ll need to navigate a tricky away tie at Southport to keep the dream alive. Will Maher’s men rise to the occasion and secure a famous win? Or will Southport’s unbeaten run continue, propelling them to a historic final? Meanwhile, Wealdstone and Marine are both eyeing their own piece of history, with Wembley beckoning for the victors.
As the countdown to the semi-finals continues, the FA Trophy remains one of non-league football’s most cherished competitions, offering clubs, players, and fans the chance to dream big. With just one hurdle left to clear before the final, every pass, tackle, and goal will be loaded with significance. Southend United, Southport, Wealdstone, and Marine—four teams, one shared ambition, and a date with destiny at Wembley on the horizon.
For now, Southend United can savor their quarter-final triumph and look ahead to a semi-final that promises intensity, drama, and, just maybe, a shot at glory under the famous arch.