1. A footnote to your brilliant piece, @modou_tourayy was at the ground and signed my ball boy son’s shirt. Gutted not to be playing as his home club Salford had pulled him back off loan, the downside to tier 8 being postponed. He wanted to be fully involved. Top bloke. https://twitter.com/simon_hughes__/status/1348665717583994881

2. Having spotted the Marine team coach outside the ground later that night, I raced back with Tom. The coach was just about to leave but the players delayed their departure so they could all sign Tom’s shirt. Every squad member and all the staff. Great bunch of lads.

3. This little story encapsulates what non league is all about. Real football, real people, connection with the fans, all in it together. Tom’s journey with Marine started with the Cup game away at Dover and look at him now, life long memories and a life long connection

4 Thanks @AnthonyMiley5 you and the lads absolutely topped off an amazing day for ball boy Tom and topped off his own cup run experience. Massive payback for those cold wet games ballboying! Mighty Marine forever @MarineAFC