Vics in good heart for Vase test with things looking up
IT IS an optimistic and happy Borrowash Victoria camp who approach tomorrow’s foray into the FA Vase, the Vics hosting Skegness Town of the Northern Counties East League at the Anderson Electrical Arena tomorrow (3pm) for a second qualifying round tie.
Optimistic and happy might not always have been the mood in some recent seasons but there is a feeling that the club have turned the tide after some torrid times.
A decision not to pay players, taken a couple of years ago, led to a spell with the first team mostly out of their depth in the East Midlands Counties League.
And while they may not be about to mount a title challenge this time around, Vics look set to hold their own this season, with an early win, 1-0 away to West Bridgford, under their belts.
While the endlessly enthusiastic local businessman Ian Anderson remains heavily involved, Frazer Watson has overseen the ups and downs as chairman for almost a decade.
“When we took the decision not to pay players, it was tough – others do, and quite substantial amounts in some cases, too,” said Watson.
“It took a while but now we have some lads who are half decent who want to play for the club because they can see it’s a good set-up.
“Ian is still on board. He and I own the club and put in a bit of money to keep things going.
“We brought in a general manager, Alan Ure, who has a great deal of experience in football. He’s used that and helped to get us on an even keel.
“The ground is looking great and the pitch is superb, so we’re flying, really. We have attracted some good new sponsors and we’re talking to more who may come on board,”
New manager Rory Downs was appointed six weeks ago and also brings a lot of experience of local non-League football to the table.
It may still be something of an upset if they can topple Skegness tomorrow but they are expecting an enjoyable day and a decent number of spectators.
“While people can still pay on the gate, we took the decision to sell tickets for this game, hopefully to give us some idea of how many people to expect,” said Watson.
“A few years ago, we used to do quite well in the Vase and it would be nice if we could get a win this time and have another crack at it.
“We’re allowed a few spectators in the current climate and that is helping.
“But we find that there is a lot of goodwill for the club even among people who don’t go to games. The people of Borrowash have been superb in terms of putting their hands in their pockets.”
Breakfast is being served at the ground from 10am tomorrow.
The club run a 200 club and a well-supported annual Christmas prize draw, although their big money-spinner, a fireworks display, has had to be put on hold this year.
Gresley Rovers and Long Eaton United also have home ties in the Vase tomorrow, while Belper United’s home tie is being played on Sunday.
ALFRETON Town have appointed chairman Wayne Bradley’s son Michael as their new chief executive.
He has worked for the family business, Impact Marketing & Publicity, for 26 years and aims to bring that experience to bear in terms of marketing direction, commercial activity and planning.
“I am confident that despite the challenges of the pandemic and the restrictions currently in place, I will be able to help the club continue to be successful, both on and off the pitch, at this level and, hopefully, beyond,” said Michael Bradley.
“The club have made some very good pre-season signings and once fans are allowed back into the Impact Arena I am sure the team will get them buzzing again and provide a much-needed positive boost to the area.”
The Reds have their first home game in Vanarama National League North tomorrow, with Spennymoor Town the visitors.
BELPER Town top the early Pitching In NPL South East Division table, albeit having played either one or two more games than the rest of the top six, after a storming 7-1 win over Sutton Coldfield Town in midweek.
Steven McDonnell (2), Derry Robson (2), Tyreece Robinson, Sam Wright and Alex Peterson were on target and the Nailers had raced to a 5-1 lead by half-time after conceding first.
Belper will aim to keep it going at home to Worksop Town tomorrow.
In the same division, Ilkeston Town also won in midweek, Zak Goodman scoring early in each half as they recorded a 2-1 victory away to Spalding United.
The Robins are unbeaten after three games and travel again tomorrow, to play Market Drayton Town.
In the Premier Division, Matlock Town and Mickleover are both at home tomorrow, the Gladiators taking on Ashton United and Sports hosting Warrington Town.