FA Vase Preview

For eleven of our member clubs, Saturday is Football Association Challenge Vase, First Round, day which is always a most exciting prospect and, naturally, the hopes and aspirations for further extending their participation in this wonderful national competition culminating in May with a trip to the final for the two fortunate teams who have safely battled through the rounds to justify, what for many teams who enter this competition, a long, but highly enjoyable, trek up and down the country and then gracing the turf at Wembley as reward for their efforts.

As a League, we, ahead of these games, are assured of at least one team though to Round Two thanks to the tremendous efforts shown last season by Colliers Wood United.

Looking at the ties involving our teams in this First Round, pride of place goes to our Division One new boys Abbey Rangers. Not only warming to the challenges of Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League football following promotion via the Surrey Elite Intermediate League at the end of last season, suggestion was made, mindful that, at Addlestone Moor, floodlights were already installed, perhaps they should apply to enter the F.A. Vase for the first time. Acceptance was granted and, prior to this latest trip to Portchester (Wessex FL), the two rounds they sailed through following replays, both away from home following home draws against Holyport (Hellenic FL) and Tytherington Rocks (Hellenic FL) make for a most interesting contest.

As for the remaining ten ties involving teams from our patch, Sutton Common Rovers visit Worthing United (Southern Combination FL); a club who so very sadly recently hit the headlines for the cruellest and saddest reasons following tragic events nobody at the time could prepare for.

Current Premier Division leaders Ashford Town head over Oxfordshire way to face UHLSPORT Hellenic League, Premier Division, Kidlington where, League wise as I write, have only tasted defeat once from thirteen League starts. Dare I suggest the 'Tangerines' will certainly have to be at their very best to secure progress.

Hanworth Villa also face a very difficult obstacle as they visit Bowers & Pitsea who currently top the Essex Senior League and will not be a pushover.

Lancing (Southern Combination FL) provides the destination for Camberley Town. A place I had the pleasure of visiting a couple of years back as guest of Guildford City who, like the 'Reds', were riding high in our Premier Division. As in all competitions of a knock-out basis, either on the day or a replay, nothing can be taken for granted. As nice a day as I had, the sadness of Guildford's elimination on the day made for a long journey home.

Friends of many years as the now defunct Windsor & Eton meet up at Stag Meadow as Windsor take on Croydon (Southern Counties East FL) and promises to be a pleasant place to spent a late October Saturday afternoon which I intend doing.

Hartley Wintney face UHLSPORT Hellenic League, Premier Division, bottom club Wokingham & Emmbrook over at the Memorial Playing Fields and will, per normal, show their opponents who, despite their lowly League position, massive respect.

Home ties for Cove, who welcome Canterbury City from the Southern Counties East League, as do Knaphill who welcome Cray Valley (Paper Mills) from the same League.

Finally, folks, this leaves Farnham Town who make the trip to Eastbourne Town where they face Macron Southern Combination League, Premier Division, top three opponents, and Bedfont Sports who entertain Carterton Town from the UHLSPORT Hellenic League, Division One West, and should fancy their chances of further progress come final whistle.

To all our competing clubs, we wish you well in your respective ties.