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From online to Wembley - Hashtag United's iconic moments so far

Toby Aromolaran of Hashtag United celebrates his goal during FA Cup Qualifying - Second Round between Hashtag United and Braintree Town at The Len Salmon Stadium, Bowers and Pitsea FC, Pitsea

Although Hashtag United's history is brief, The Tags have already gathered up a number of iconic and successful moments since their creation in 2016.

From winning their first piece of silverware to making established semi-professional teams quake in their boots, internet sensations Hashtag United are a team on the rise.

Planet Sport takes a dip into Hashtag United's history books as they continue to make iconic moments on their road to glory.

Promoted to the Isthmian

Non-league football had a major restructure after the 2020/21 season was cut-short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following Hashtag's impressive showings in the two seasons that were abandoned their performances were deemed good enough to earn them automatic promotion to the Isthmian League North.

The club will start the new season in the eighth tier of English football. A truly staggering and swift rise.

How long before league football is on the horizon?

Winning the 2017 Wembley Cup

Spencer Owen's Hashtag United were still in their formative year during 2017. However, they competed in the annual EE Wembley Cup Final, facing the F2's Tekkers Town.

In a final hosted at Wembley stadium, this was already a big deal for the upcoming non-league side.

Managed by Arsenal legend Martin Keown, a classic Hashtag United team was on show, including the likes of Dan Brown, Ryan Adams, Charlie Morley, Rich Beck, and Jack Harrison.

As well as famous YouTube personalities, legends of the game also competed for both sides. Robbie Fowler, Robbie Savage and William Gallas competed for Hashtag, while David James, Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey turned out for Tekkers Town.

In the 24th minute, Hashtag took the early lead after a brilliant ball by Harrison found the feet of Adams, who buried the ball past goalkeeper James.

Ryan Adams scores past David James to make it 1-0 to Hashtag United

However, an equaliser was just around the corner. Following a foul on Heskey by goalkeeper Andy Jeff-Watts, Tekkers were awarded a penalty three minutes later. F2 star Jeremy Lynch took his opportunity and levelled the game from the spot.

But 'The Tags' were not going to give up that easily, as Brown headed home a fumbled Scott Pollock ball to put his side ahead just before the break.

In the second half, the flood gates truly opened. A double from Theo Baker, a spectacular effort from Morley, and a tap in for Phil Martin secured the 2017 Wembley Cup for Spencer Owen and Hashtag United.

Joining the English football pyramid

In 2018, Hashtag United took a massive step as a soccer club by becoming a member of the English Football League system, playing in the 10th division for the 2018/19 season.

Their journey to becoming a non-league side was rather swift, bearing in mind the history and the backing of the club.

With a unique fanbase and family traditions, former East-Thurrock manager Jay Devereux joined the Essex side as Hashtag embarked on a new chapter in their history.

From playing grassroots soccer on YouTube, to playing non-league football, the Hashtag journey has been terrific so far and it isn't stopping any time soon.

Winning the 2018/19 Division One title

In their first season in the football pyramid, Hashtag United achieved the unthinkable. As Jay Devereux took over the transitioning side, silverware was just round the corner.

Early wins against Halstead Town, Coggeshall United and Harwich & Parkeston set the Essex side up for league glory.

And after a 1-1 draw against Hackney Wick in April 2019, 'The Tags' were crowned champions of First Division South in their first season.

With 26 wins, six draws, and four losses, Devereux's side were promoted the Essex Senior League, step five of the English football pyramid.

Owen's club had once again proved their critics wrong, and although it may not be your typical football club, a long and successful road stretched ahead.

2020/21 FA Cup run

In the 2020/21 campaign, after a season disrupted by COVID-19, Hashtag United set their ambitions at the highest mark.

Devereux's side planned to reach the FA Cup first round in their third season of non-league football. An ambition which 'The Tags' so nearly achieved.

Despite starting at the first stage, the extra preliminary round, Hashtag made club history, as they won their first ever FA Cup match, defeating Park View FC 2-1. Goals from George Smith and Toby Aromolaran securing a memorable night for the club.

In the Preliminary round, Hashtag had penalties to decide the fate against Felixstowe and Walton.

However, after 12 successfully taken Felixstowe penalties, Hashtag keeper Jamie Jackson stood firm, allowing George Smith to put The Tags through to the next round.

The Tags appeared on television for their first FA Cup qualifying round, playing Soham Town Rangers live on the BBC.

Another match that needed penalties to seal the deal for Hashtag, as Jesse Waller-Lassen scored the winning kick and booked a place in the second qualifying round.

In the biggest game of Hashtag United's history, the side faced National League South side Braintree Town in a dramatic match-up.

After a tightly contested 90 minutes, Toby Aromolaran put Hashtag ahead and a step closer to the first round.

However, after managing to keep Braintree quiet for 91 minutes, Olu Oluwatimilhin popped up to score the equaliser, and Braintree went on to win 7-6 on penalties.

After a disbanded 2019/20 season due to COVID-19, Hashtag United's FA Cup run was enough to make anyone proud of the football club.

The cup dream was over for another season, but not forever.

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