UCL Review 2015 16

FA VASE REVIEW: SLEAFORD THE AWAY DAY KINGS

In contrast to the FA Cup the Vase brought a disappointing set of results overall, with an entry of 40 member clubs producing just 28 wins.

The best runs were enjoyed by Sleaford who reached the Fourth Round for the first time and Leicester Nirvana who reached the last 32 for the second season running.

Sleaford’s achievement was a notable one as they were drawn away in all six rounds, progressing through five to accumulate prize money of £4,600. Nirvana too produced good displays on opposition soil before the toughest draw possible saw them bow out in a protracted tie at Hereford, the consolation a share of a four figure gate. Sleaford’s run kicked off with an extra time 3-2 win at Peterborough Sports in the First Qualifying Round, a Harry Millard penalty and Ryan Oliver brace seeing the Greens past their ten man hosts. A trip to Downham in the Second Qualifying Round saw Sleaford progress 2-0 with second half goals from Ryan Oliver and George Asplin and in the First Round proper a stoppage time Ryan Oliver goal saw the Greens through 1-0 at Division One Raunds. Round Two saw Sleaford take on Sporting Bengal and it was a happy trip back to Lincolnshire after a 3-1 extra time success. Ryan Oliver took his goal total in the competition to six with a double, Brad Hockin also on the mark in the additional half hour. Round Three saw the Greens visit league rivals Yaxley and a pulsating tie saw Sleaford run out 4-3 extra time winners. Trailing to Jon Stead’s opener, Jac Wright equalised in stoppage time and Paul Ward’s side went on to take the tie by the scruff of the neck in extra time with goals from Dave Hone, Ryan Oliver and George Asplin before the Cuckoos staged a late rally which saw Dan Cotton and Sam Spencer close the gap to a single goal. Sleaford’s run ended in Round 4 as they bowed out at Sunderland RCA. After two postponements the Greens went down 3-2 to their Northern League hosts, Jack Pemberton and Brad Hockin on the mark for Sleaford who probably deserved better on the day. Leicester Nirvana’s run the previous season had earned them exemption to Round Two. They overcame a tricky hurdle at Heanor 3-1 with Franny Lynch, Matt Melbourne (penalty) and Pearson Mwanyongo overhauling an early home opener. A Third Round derby at St Andrews saw Nirvana turn in one of their best performances of the season to run out 5-1 winners with Shaquille Brooks, two goal Pearson Mwanyongo, Ash Day and Celson Patrocinio on the scoresheet. The Fourth Round draw sent Nirvana to competition favourites Hereford. The first meeting at Edgar Street was abandoned due to deteriorating pitch conditions at half time with Nirvana trailing 3-1, Tendai Chitiza their marksman. The return visit seven days later saw Nirvana well beaten 6-0 in front of a crowd of 2,842. Nirvana’s run earned them £2,300 in prize money. The competition had kicked off with 27 clubs in First Qualifying Round action, just eleven progressing. A Friday night tie saw Sileby go through 3-1 at Thrapston with two Troy Johnston goals and one from Brian Farrell. The day after one of the ties of the round saw AFC Kempston win 2-0 at Newport Pagnell with extra time goals from Shane Bush and Swans defender Adam Pryke. Individual performance of the round came from Wellingborough striker Jake Newman with a five goal haul in the Doughboys 7-2 romp at Holmer Green, Nathan Burrows scoring the other two goals. Billy Stubbs, Callum Wilkinson and Scott Webb were the Harrowby marksmen in a 3-1 win at Eastwood Community while a last minute Chris Clarke goal gave Rothwell Corinthians a 1-0 home win over Bedford. Five Division One clubs made progress. Long Buckby beat Spelthorne 3-1 at Station Road with Andy Yeates, Manny Salumu and Michael Yeates on the scoresheet while Blackstones also eliminated step 5 opponents, winning 3-2 at Thetford with Jones De Sousa, Addie Staffieri and Sam Strange on target. Potton put out former finalists Hillingdon 2-1 with late goals from Joe Jordan and Marc Umney giving the Royals a win on the road. Vase debutants ON Chenecks progressed 2-1 against Sun Postal with Ben Lewington and Adam Hancock the marksmen while St Neots Saints beat Team Bury 2-1 thanks to two Chris Lewis goals.

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