Charles Hague-Jones previews the FA vase first round tie as the Meadowmen travel to Grantham on Saturday.
28 October 2020 @chaguejones
Our FA Vase first round tie is an away trip to Grantham, a trip just over 2 hours long up the M6 and the Meadowmen will be looking to come back with a ticket to the second round for the second time in 6 campaigns.
Saturday’s hosts have only progressed as far as the first round in 11 campaigns and have been at this stage a frustrating 5 times, both sides will be looking to be heroes and make a big name for their clubs as the second round, again, could draw a huge tie.
The Arrows have had a brilliant start to the season and go into the Vase tie unbeaten in their last ten games. They have picked up 7 league wins so far and are on 23 points in fourth place in the Uhlsport United Counties League.
Form
League- WLWDWWDWWW
FA Vase- WW (Pens)
Their previous Vase fixture ended in a penalty shootout, to which they prevailed and came out 4-2 winners away against West Bridgford. This is the Arrow’s first home game of the competition so far.
One to watch
Sam Thorpe is on 4 league goals so far this season but it was hard to pick an individual as Harrowby have proven they can get goals from all over the pitch.
Despite losing 3-2 on Tuesday, Tom Grainger and Karl Griffiths both added another goal to their steady tally’s this season. They are started to look very comfortable in front of goal and make no mistake in finding the back of the net. Whatever the result on Saturday- expect goals from these two.
Summary
After a disappointing result against Wem Town in midweek, AFC Bridgnorth will be looking to perform again in the Vase and bring home another well fought out victory. With no full replacement manager in place yet for the Meadowmen, It will be another huge task for Pete Whitehouse who can hopefully make the occasion one to remember. Whatever the outcome, the Meadowmen now know that they have the fire power and fighting spirit to progress to a good level in this competition and will hopefully continue that in future seasons, on the other hand, a win on Saturday would be more club history.
Harrowby probably come into the game as favourites on form and league position but will have to make sure there is no upset caused by the fighting bunch that is AFC Bridgnorth this season, where a result here would be a giant morale booster for everyone at the club.