Walking football team Medway Marauders have marched into the national finals of the People’s FA Cup.

The regional finals of the competition were held in London on Sunday, and the Marauders were one of two teams to progress, thanks to a semi-final win on penalties which saw goalkeeper Steve Jones make two crucial saves.

The competition is open to amateur clubs across the country, with teams competing in different categories, including walking football.

Marauders secretary Chris Pocock said that despite losing in the final game on Sunday – and losing Ian Freedman to injury – the players remained optimistic of success at the national finals, to be held on Sunday, March 20, in Sheffield. He said: “We were in the final last year and we had a good go at it, so we’ll give it our best. We’ve got the same chance as everyone else.”

The team featured in the Medway Messenger earlier this year, after which Gillingham-based mobility specialists Ability Plus got in touch to offer sponsorship.