The annual Johnstone’s Paint Football League Trophy final will take place on Sunday 7th April at 1.15pm at London’s Wembley Stadium between Crewe Alexandra and Southend United.  

The highly coveted trophy was claimed last year by Chesterfield although neither side in the 2013 final has ever won the competition, with Southend coming the closest in 2004 and 2005 finishing as runner up on both occasions.  

The build up to the final has seen the trophy paraded around both towns for pictures with supporters of both sides yet only one will be able to retain the prize when the referee’s watch hits 90 minutes.  

Crewe play in league 1 while Southend ply their trade in league 2, suggesting that Crewe may have the advantage in the final despite far more tickets being allocated to the league 2 side.   Key players to watch for Southend are Southampton loanee Ben Reeves who scored the winning goal in the semi final and Captain Chris Barker, whereas 16 goal Mathias Pogba and young Captain Luke Murphy are ones to be watched for Crewe. The experienced heads such as Freddy Eastwood for Southend and Nathan Ellington for Crewe will be called upon to lead as both players have experience of playing in cup finals.  

The match will be refereed by card eager official Nigel Miller.  

The game can be enjoyed in comfort with thanks to Club Wembley who provide exclusive hospitality to members on the day.  

Tickets are on general sale from Roots Hall now.