Not since 1982 has a Nottinghamshire team reached the final of the FA Vase when then Notts Alliance Champions Rainworth Miners Welfare were beaten by Forest Green Rovers in the old Wembley Stadium by three goals to nil.
That lack of success however doesn’t stop our sides dreaming though as the Amateur and Semi-Pro clubs from across the county aim to earn prize fund payments through national knock out football and this year we have six teams locally trying to get past the second round with a potential £900 to those that reach round three.
Going strong after entering at the first qualifying round are West Bridgford FC who were only formed as a Senior mens football side in 2011.
The side based on Regatta Way have already beaten Borrowash Victoria, Selston and Brackley Town Saints and now face Heanor Town at home in what is the furthest the club has ever been in the competition.
Kick off between West Bridgford and Heanor is 3pm this Saturday with admission £5 for adults and £3 concessions.
Also going strong in the competition are Newark Flowserve who face Rugby Town at Lowfields with joint-managers Steve Kirkham and Craig Roche stating “Hopefully we can give the supporters a victory at home on Saturday” with another opportunity to see new signing Gregg Smith who has three goals in his first two matches and a pedigree that includes Grantham Town, Kings Lynn and Boston United is a real throwback centre forward of days gone by.
Tickets for Newark Flowserves tie against Rugby are £5 adults, £3 concessions and £1 for under 16s who can also attend free with a paying adult. Kick Off is 3pm.
Another of the Nottinghamshire teams in home FA Vase action this weekend is AFC Mansfield who face Long Buckby in a game played at Clipstone FC. Mansfield have struggled this season and lie second bottom in the NCEL Premier Division but have fared better in the cup after beating Graham St Prims in the First Qualifying Round before victories over Rainworth Miners Welfare and Hanley Town.
Northamptonshire based Long Buckby play in the United Counties League and are currently top of the First Division. Kick off on Saturday is 3pm.
All the remaining Notts based teams in the FA Vase will be on the road with Eastwood Community facing Lutterworth Town and Sherwood Colliery making the shorter trip to Clay Cross Town.
Dunkirk travel to Worcester City and will be running a coach to the game which leaves the club on Saturday morning at 11:30am. With seats available you can call 07904 390381 to book your travel to the match.
*Main image @FA Notts clubs have their eyes very much on the prized asset.
