The Latest Musings, Thu 10 Sep 15

Although not due to be played until 3rd October, the draw for the Second Round Qualifying of the F.A. Challenge Vase has already taken place. What with great expectations for our member clubs involved, thirteen of our sides for definite battle it out on the day with the possibility of numbers increasing to an additional two clubs subject to First Round Qualifying Replays due to take place on Tuesday, 8th, and Wednesday, 9th September, at Holyport (Hellenic FL) and Seven Acre & Sidcup (Southern Counties East FL) involving Abbey Rangers and Banstead Athletic respectively. Once again, like in the previous round, further progress is guaranteed for either Cobham or Sutton Common Rovers as they have been paired together to meet over at the Leg O' Mutton Field, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham, on the day. Quite ironic this tie, really, when one considers this time last year Sutton Common Rovers, or as last season they were known as Mole Valley SCR, were part of a ground-share which saw them play over at Cobham. As we know now, though, what with the name change, additional news came through during the last close season that they would be sharing facilities with Vanarama South side Sutton United over at Gander Green Lane which, for the club, is very much a home coming.

Glancing at the ties on the whole for our sides (details of which can be found nearer the time on our websites), there are no shortage of ties of enormous appeal out and about; examples of which include a battle Royal with Windsor versus Royal Wootton Bassett Town (Hellenic FL) and local rivalries return when C.B. Hounslow United venture over to Hanwell to take on Southall (Spartan South Midlands FL) who, last round, eliminated C.B's landlords Bedfont & Feltham. Cogenhoe United, from the Chromaport United Counties Football League, Premier Division, ended Spelthorne Sports progress on their Compton Park, Northamptonshire, pitch by a clear three goals to suggest C.B. will certainly have to be at their best on the day should they seek to advance further which we know they will. A lengthy trip down to Wiltshire provides the destination for Farnham Town as they head over to Malmesbury Victoria (Wiltshire FL) and Badshot Lea head further, though, as Gloucestershire provides their dwelling for the afternoon courtesy of Fairford Town (Hellenic FL) being their calling point for activity. Coming down to our neck of the woods are Tytherington Rocks (Hellenic FL) from Gloucestershire following Abbey Rangers most delightful and emphatic 4-1 win over at Holyport (Hellenic FL) which we whole heartily congratulate them upon. Hopefully, by the time this latest bout of Musings reaches you, our friends from Banstead Athletic will, in addition, safely secure their passage through - brief details will be advised at the end of this article.

For now though, back to Tuesday evening activity commencing first with the news that Cove bowed out of the Hampshire Senior Cup following a 3-0 defeat being inflicted upon them over at Eastleigh.

Premier Division wise, Hanworth Villa lost their 100% start to the season league-wise following a 0-0 draw over at Chessington & Hook United. A draw was also the outcome of the Knaphill versus Windsor encounter over at Redding Way despite the visitors twice leading; goals from Mark and Josh Watkins ensured Knaphill secured a point from the game. Having been dumped out of the F.A. Challenge Vase over at Horsham (Southern Combination FL) Sunday last, Epsom & Ewell, thanks to a couple of Kyle Hough goals plus one courtesy of Daryl Cooper-Smith, overcame visitors Colliers Wood United 3-1. Eli Ogunseye netted for 'Wood' from the penalty spot.

Finally Tuesday evening, over at Cobham, the hosts secured a highly impressive 4-0 home victory against Epsom Athletic.

Just the two games Wednesday, folks, to round off our midweek programme for this week.

Early news, albeit brief, provides us with another club progressing in the F.A. Challenge Vase as Banstead Athletic came from a goal down in their replay over at Seven Acres & Sidcup (Southern Counties East FL) to record a tremendous 2-1 victory and can now look forward to a home tie next round against Cray Valley (Southern Combination FL).

South Park Reserves entertained Worcester Park in a Division One encounter resulting in a 1-0 victory for Worcester Park on the evening.

Good Luck to all our competing sides this Saturday in their respective Emirates F.A. Challenge Cup ties.