Brixham’s credentials to be tested against Lambs
THE second round of the FA Vase dominates the scene for clubs in the Western League and South West Peninsula this weekend and there is an absolute belter to get things underway tonight with Brixham playing host to Tavistock at Wall Park.
The Fishermen have been going great guns in the SWPL East this season, under the dual management of Tim Porter and Jason Couch, who cannot wait to test themselves against Stuart Henderson’s Western League Premier Division league leaders.
And just to add spice to an otherwise already fascinating match-up is that winger Josh Parry will be returning to Brixham to play the team he left to join Tavi earlier this season.
Looking ahead to the game, Porter said: “They are doing incredibly well at the moment and are really proving to be the team and club to look up to.
“Myself and Jason Couch have spoken a few times to their manager, Stuart Henderson, and we are fully aware of what he’s aiming to build and achieve – and that just makes our challenge on Friday even bigger.
“They are a very well-run club with some fantastic talent. They signed one of our very best players in Josh Parry a few weeks ago – but we have some amazing lads in our squad, so naturally we hope they all play to their absolute maximum and that Tavistock have an off-day.
“It’s a massive challenge for us but we do know that if we are at our best, as we showed against Bridgwater United [in the FA Cup] earlier on in the season, we can be a match for anyone.
“It’s under the lights, it’s a Friday night, and it’s perfect for a local FA
Vase match.
“We just hope we do ourselves justice. We’ll give it our best shot and with a bit of luck – you never know.”
The clear and obvious respect was mutual with Henderson adding: “Obviously, we heard about Josh Parry and we went and watched him, so we have seen Brixham a few times this season. There was also a lot of dialogue with their managers when that transfer went through and they seem like an ambitious club, trying to move up and win their respective league.
“They have a lot of good youngsters that they have developed and are linked in with the Torquay United college scheme. I have watched them and everyone that I have spoken to and has fed back to me have said what a good side they are.
“If we are not on our game, then there could possibly be an upset, so we have to go up there and give everything we have got in what will be a very difficult game.”
Tomorrow’s match of the day sees another top of the Western League v top of the SWPL clash as Buckland
Athletic host Falmouth Town at Homer’s Heath.
Wendron United are at home to New Milton Town, while Liskeard Athletic play host to Keynsham Town.
Torpoint Athletic travel to Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Mousehole face Western League rivals Bridgwater United, looking to build on their stunning 4-0 thrashing of Bitton last week.
Winning clubs in this round will receive £900, while teams who exit at this stage of the competition will receive £275.
In the Western League, Saltash United face rock bottom Bridport looking to close the gap at the top, while Millbrook entertain Cadbury Heath at Jenkins Park.
Helston are at home to Shepton Mallet and Exmouth Town entertain a Brislington side they thrashed 11-0 just a month ago.
In the Southern League Premier Division, Tiverton Town return to Ladysmead, where they play host to Hayes & Yeading, while Truro City head to Kings Langley.
In Division One South, Plymouth Parkway have an attractive home game against AFC Totton, currently second in the table, but Lee Hobbs’ side have been in great form at home dropping only two points so far in the league and remaining unbeaten.
Bideford welcome Winchester City to the Sports Ground, while Willand Rovers head to Melksham Town.
Barnstaple Town must start picking up points if they are to stand any chance of survival having lost 15 from 15 now.
They head to Lymington Town this weekend, who are 11th in the table.