The FA Vase has become fertile ground for Berkshire groups in recent years. I dare say that Wembley has become an integral component of the game in those regions.
But as we know, football is cyclical. As a young non-league fan, going to Wembley to continue with my own team, let alone another from the same county, was a pipe dream.
Now it’s an occupational hazard.
But are we in the middle of the cycle or at the end of it?
An enthusiastic guy would say the first is Holyport boss Sam Lock, his team hosts the Jersey Bulls at Summerleaze at 12:45 p. m.
Lock said: “We can start consistently with Cent Back, fit the effort into the third round last season. I celebrated the draw, we need to play the most productive groups, like the Jersey Bulls, we don’t need groups in and around us because we do it every week.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to push ourselves and control ourselves. But we’re betting on the event, we’re betting on winning and getting to the third round.
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He reflected on what has propelled his team into cup competitions in recent seasons with memorable wins over recent Vase finalists Ascot United and Binfield: “We were tough to beat last year. Our players are young, they prepare for the big tests. It’s a motivation for them. This week we beat the Flackwell Heat, we drawn, but that’s the kind of game I’m talking about.
“We have this label of ‘little old Holyport. ‘ People like us need us to get it right, but we can get a result on Saturday and, frankly, the confidence that would bring would reshape our season. We’ve played well in every single game this season, but it hasn’t gone well. Good for us, but we need another wonderful day out of this competition.
I still couldn’t ask Sam about his ultimate cup; Evidently he already knew his answer: “No, not yet, there’s a long way to go at this festival, but we’re in a wonderful position. We’re passing by to leave everything there.
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