FA Vase second qualifying round weekend round-up: History-making Faversham Strike Force, Lordswood AFC, Bearsted, Whitstable Town, Lydd Town, Faversham Town, Rochester United, VCD Athletic and Tunbridge Wells progressing
Published: 23:30, 21 September 2024
History-making Faversham Strike Force progressed to the FA Vase first round proper for their first-ever time on Saturday.
First-half goals from Ali Wren and Tom Barton put Strike Force on their way at Salters Lane against Selsey, substitute Brooke Tiernan able to put the icing on the cake in stoppage time of their 3-0 victory.
Fellow Southern Counties East Division 1 team Canterbury City took Premier Division visitors Lordswood to penalties after a goalless draw at Margate’s Hartsdown Park before Nicky Southall’s side won through 3-1 in the shootout.
Faversham Town delivered six of the best in their 6-0 FA Vase victory at Sheerwater.
Matt Newman, covering in defence, put them ahead after six minutes and further goals from Nathan Wood, Frannie Collin and in-form Tashi-Jay Kwayie meant it was 4-0 to the Lilywhites inside just 25 minutes.
Striker Johan Caney-Bryan then bagged one either side of half-time to complete the rout for Tommy Warrilow’s team.
A dramatic tie saw Lydd beat Newhaven 4-2 on penalties after they had left it late to force the shootout.
Jake Robinson put Newhaven ahead and, although midfielder Ronnie Dolan equalised on 50 minutes, Bailie Rogers had the hosts back in front four minutes later.
But captain Sam Adams came up with a 95th-minute leveller for the Lydders, who went onto win the shootout.
Following the game, however, Will Graham revealed he has left his role as Lydd coach.
He wrote on social media: “Unfortunately, my time at @lyddtownfc has come to an end.
“All the best to the club and lads for the future - wish them nothing but the best.”
Captain Mike West came up with the only goal just before half-time as Whitstable won their all-Premier Division match at home to Hollands & Blair.
Promotion-chasing Southern Counties East Division 1 team Rochester United were 4-0 victors over divisional rivals Welling Town.
Tom Loynes put them ahead on 14 minutes before Mack Reilly added two of his own, either side of Lucas Payne’s second-half strike.
Bearsted won their all-Premier Division game at home to Kennington 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Charlie Owen’s second-half strike set up the shootout after Jesse Darko netted for Kevin Stevens’ side midway through the first half, but it was Dan Scorer’s side who were edged out after a hard-fought game.
Creative midfielder Regan Corke bagged a second-half brace - his second coming in stoppage time - as Tunbridge Wells triumphed 2-0 at home to Premier Division rivals Glebe.
Early Southern Counties East Premier Division leaders VCD were 3-0 victors at Chipstead.
The goals came after the break as forward Charlie Heatley netted twice in seven minutes after George Whitelock had put the Vickers in command.
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Thomas Reeves