In the annals of non-league football, the FA Vase holds a special allure. It’s a competition where dreams are forged, local heroes are made, and communities rally behind their clubs. For Coalville Town, a club with roots stretching back to 1926, the 2010-11 season will forever be etched in their history as the year they not only clinched the Midland Football Alliance title but also embarked on an unforgettable journey to the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium.
The club was initially formed in 1926 as Ravenstone Miners Athletic, proudly representing the village of Ravenstone. Even then, football had deep roots in the community, with Ravenstone Druids having been a founder member of the Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association in 1887. Ravenstone Miners Athletic enjoyed considerable success in the now-defunct Coalville & District Amateur League for many years. Following the league’s closure in 1975, the club joined the North Leicestershire League, where they continued to thrive. A significant step up came in 1991, with progression to the Leicestershire Senior League Division One. In 1995, the club relocated to Owen Street in Coalville, marking a new chapter as Coalville Football Club, becoming the first senior team in the town since the demise of Coalville Amateurs in 1954. The club was later renamed Coalville Town Football Club in 1998. The early 2000s proved to be a golden era, with back-to-back Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division titles in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons, culminating in promotion to the Midland Alliance.
Managed by Adam Stevens, a former Coalville player with an intimate understanding of the club’s ethos, the Ravens were a team brimming with local talent and unyielding spirit. Their FA Vase campaign unfolded as a series of captivating chapters, each victory adding another layer to their unfolding fairytale. Their journey to Wembley was far from easy….
- 1st Round: Coalville Town 2-1 Stratford Town
- 2nd Round: Bridgnorth Town 2-4 Coalville Town
- 3rd Round: Shildon 0-2 Coalville Town
- 4th Round: Bitton 2-3 Coalville Town
- 5th Round: Coalville Town 3-1 Holbrook Sports
- Quarter-Final: Coalville Town 1-0 Leiston
The semi-final clash against King’s Lynn proved to be a defining moment. A commanding 3-0 first-leg victory at home set the stage for a dramatic second leg. Despite King’s Lynn’s spirited fightback, Coalville Town held their nerve, securing a 3-2 away win and a 6-2 aggregate triumph. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation as players and fans alike celebrated reaching the FA Vase final.
As the Ravens soared through the competition, excitement gripped the Leicestershire town. Manager Adam Stevens, a local postman, perhaps best encapsulated the mood. “It’s a massive achievement to get here,” he said. “I’m sure the fans will be here in full force. It’s a big day and will be a great occasion.”
The Wembley final on May 8, 2011, was a clash of titans against Whitley Bay, a team aiming for a historic third consecutive FA Vase title. The match lived up to its billing, a pulsating encounter that showcased the passion and drama of non-league football.
Whitley Bay drew first blood, with Paul Chow converting after a fine run and cutback from Craig McFarlane. Coalville responded through Matt Moore, who headed home powerfully from Cameron Stuart’s cross. The Bay regained the lead through Lee Kerr, only for Adam Goodby to level once more. In a cruel twist of fate, Chow struck again late in the game, securing a 3-2 victory for Whitley Bay. Coalville’s team that day was: Bowles, Brown, Stewart, Goodby, Costello, Woodward, Miveld, Moore, Murdock, Anthony Carney, Robbins. Subs Not Used: Williams, Wells, Attwood, Gardner, Dodd.
Despite the heartbreak of defeat, Coalville Town’s performance was valiant. They had played their part in a memorable final, a testament to their skill and fighting spirit. As Stevens reflected after the semi-final win, his side deserved their Wembley trip. “We beat cracking teams all the way to get here. You don’t get to this stage of the competition by being lucky.”
The 2010-11 FA Vase campaign was more than just a cup run for Coalville Town; it was a celebration of the club’s rich history, the unwavering support of its community, and the magic of non-league football. It was a journey that took them to the pinnacle of the FA Vase and created memories that will last a lifetime.
In 2023-24, the club withdrew from the Southern League and, in a turn of events, became a part of the United Counties League Division One.