Halesowen Town defeated Wellingborough Town 2:0 in the FA Trophy final on 26 September 2026. The result settles the competition after a run of fixtures that saw both sides reach the decisive stage. Halesowen came through with a clean sheet, while Wellingborough's campaign ended without a goal.
By then the visitors had already shown they could compete. They beat Belper Town 2:1 in August and drew with Sporting Khalsa 1:1, but the recent losses to Kettering Town — both 1:2 and 2:2 — suggested a side finding its rhythm late. Halesowen, meanwhile, had won two from three ahead of the final, including a 3:1 victory over Basford United.
And here's the thing about finals — the pressure doesn't always show in the scoreline. Wellingborough had taken points off teams that finished above them, and Halesowen had avoided defeat in three of their last five. What separated them on the day was one more bit of composure, or perhaps one less mistake when it mattered.
The hosts moved through their qualifiers with a 2:2 draw against Tamworth and a 3:3 against Sturbridge, results that suggested an open style of play. Wellingborough's away record was less consistent, with defeats to Nantwich Town and Kettering Town breaking up their earlier successes. The final itself was decided in moments too small to measure.
The victory gives Halesowen a trophy and a point of pride. Wellingborough return to league football with a final appearance to reflect on, and a record that showed they could challenge teams on their own ground. The gap between them now is one silverware, not one class.
