Ex Southend United midfielder excited to return

FORMER Jon Benton, a Southend United midfielder, is looking forward to playing at Wembley Stadium for the second Sunday in a row.

Solihull Moors’ midfielder Jack Benton is shifting his focus to the FA Trophy final against Gateshead, following their recent National League play-off final defeat to Bromley. The 23-year-old, hailing from Leigh on Sea, came off the bench during the play-off, which ended in a penalty shootout loss.

Despite the disappointment, Benton is enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge. “I’m really excited for the FA Trophy final,” Benton said. “We’ve been working hard in this competition all season, and reaching the final is a huge achievement. It’s going to be an incredible day.”

Playing at Wembley is a dream come true for many footballers, and Benton is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform there again so soon. “Wembley is every kid’s dream, and many players never get to experience it,” he added. “Playing back-to-back games at such an iconic venue is something I never thought would happen.”

The loss to Bromley was a tough blow for Solihull Moors, but Benton is determined to help the team recover. “The whole club is obviously very disappointed with the result, but that’s football,” Benton remarked. “The key now is to put it behind us and focus on the cup final. We’ve had some time to reflect, and we’re ready to approach this game with the right mindset.”

Before Benton’s match, the FA Vase final will see Great Wakering Rovers take on Romford. Benton, who spent time on loan with Great Wakering early in his career, expressed his support for his former team. “I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on that game,” he said. “There are a lot of familiar faces, and it’s fantastic to see Great Wakering doing so well and making it to Wembley.”

As Benton prepares for the FA Trophy final, he carries the hope of helping Solihull Moors bounce back and end their season on a high note.