AN MP is lobbying football bosses to push back the date Concord Rangers make their ground-breaking Wembley debut – with the hopes faithful fans will be able to take to the stands to cheer on their club.

The Canvey team is set to play against Harrogate Town on May 3 in the FA Trophy Final, just weeks before fans will be allowed to again return to sports grounds around the country.

The final has twice been put back due to the coronavirus pandemic, but MP Rebecca Harris – who represents Castle Point – insists fans should not miss out on the opportunity of seeing their team play.

Ms Harris has now written to the Football Association requesting the date for non-league finals day is moved back so that fans can attend the game.

She said: “The chance to watch your local team play at Wembley does not come around very often and I know how much the fans would love to watch Concord Rangers play at the home of football.”

Backing the move Scott Griffin, who played with the team for ten years, says this is arguably their biggest game in history.

The 42-year-old, from Canvey, said: “The Concord Rangers have always felt like family. I played with them from 1998 and stopped in around 2007 or 2008. But I’ve followed them ever since.

“That being said, I would absolutely love to be there to watch them at Wembley and cheer them on. When I found out fans wouldn’t be there I was absolutely gutted.

“This is massive for the club and I know firsthand having fans watching brings such an atmosphere, when you hear the crowd erupt it gives you such an energy which they might need running round such a big pitch.”

Mr Griffin, who used to run the Concord Rangers under 13s, believes the move could help bring the community together after such a difficult year.

He continued: “They have got a big following in Canvey. My boy Ellis also played for their under 13s and absolutely loved it.

“I’m sure even people who don’t go the matches usually would go and support their local team. Having the fans there is like adding a 12th man.”

An FA spokesperson, said: "“Fans are the lifeblood of our game, so we have held detailed discussions with relevant stakeholders and explored all the potential options available to us.

"Unfortunately, due to the pandemic creating a large amount of fixture congestion, EURO fixtures being held at Wembley Stadium and other events after the tournament, the window to accommodate our showpiece events is particularly small this season.

"We want to ensure that as many fans as possible can enjoy The Buildbase FA Trophy and FA Vase Finals, so we believe it is very important that they are broadcast live and are pleased that it has been possible to confirm they will be available to watch on BT Sport.

"Any other possible dates ahead of the autumn are mid-week but they would potentially create issues for the participating clubs and their fans as many would need to take time off work.

"A final option would be to move these fixtures to the autumn, but this would mean playing them after the 20/21 competitions have been completed, create fixture challenges for the 21/22 season and is not preferable for all relevant stakeholders.”