DAYS LIKE THIS ARE TO BE TREASURED

When it comes to cups the FA Vase has got to be the most supreme competition for a club like ours particularly for away ties. The atmosphere on the coach as you travel to destinations not visited before is electric as the players and supporters revel in the prospect of glory and ultimately and hopefully a trip to the home of football - Wembley itself.

After beating Dunstable Town away 5-2 in the previous round we made a first ever visit to Saffron Walden Town, although the two clubs have met before in the Vase in Tring in December 2021 when the visitors came away with a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal at the end of the first half from Gavin Cockman. In our squad that day were present players Harrison Cornick (who is still injured), Keiran Turner (who was captain that day), George Carbery, Adam Sawyer and Frankie Hercules.

Despite the appalling amount of rain that fell in the hours leading up to the game the home officials did a sterling job in the getting the pitch playable and the sun even came out in the second half. The Bloods, as they known because of their red shirts, are the oldest Football Club in Essex and the ground is very picturesque with the church and steeple in the background. The hospitality was first rate as well.

Our hosts were on fire coming into the game with a 12 game unbeaten run under their belts having scored 15 goals in their last 4 games. Our run of form hasn’t been too shabby either but we knew we were in for an epic tussle.

We nearly got off to a terrific start when after only 9 minutes Bailey Osborne escaped down the left and crossed to Benji Kakembo who shot wide. Although it was a great opportunity missed it was an early indication that the home defence would struggle against the pace of our two young forwards.

Home centre back Darren Phillips headed a corner over in the 24th minute and with a number of tall players in their ranks we knew they would be a threat from set pieces although we did defend very well against them.

Half chances were coming our way and in the 41st minute it was no surprise when we opened the scoring. Dave O’Connor found Benji Kakembo with a lovely pass who rolled his marker and then crossed for Bailey Osborne to score from close range. Score 0-1. Bailey nearly double his score and our lead just before half time when he latched onto a pass from Harry Shepherd but he was denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Jake Anderson.

The home side enjoyed their fair share of possession and left back Tom Skelton went close with a super a shot that cleared the far post in the 44th minute but our back four were solid and new keeper Bradley Shaw’s handling was assured and we went in at half time deservedly ahead although we missed some chances to stretch our lead. Score 0-1.

Darren Phiilips headed a corner over at the start of the second period and Greg Deer did the same at the other end a minute later. Benji and Bailey combined again in the 52nd minute with the formers cross picking out the latter who forced another great save from the keeper with Benji firing the loose ball over.

In the 56th minute Benji was hauled down by Roman Campbell as he sped past the centre half. After consulting his assistant the Referee showed Campbell a red card and our opponents were down to 10 men. From the resulting free kick the keeper made another good save from Frankie Hercules.

We needed a second goal and Bailey duly obliged although the credit must go to Skipper George Carbery who went on a lung bursting run from deep in our own half to the edge of the opposition’s area. Even when he was tackled he still managed to slip a pass from a prone position to Bailey who cracked a shot into the corner of the net. Score 0-2.

Our hosts still kept pushing forward in an attempt to get back in the game but were leaving themselves short at the back. In the 75th minute Bailey’s cross picked out Kieran Turner whose header was cleared off the line. Later Kieran was set free by Harry Shepherd but his effort went just wide of the far post.

We had a lucky escape in the 81st minute when centre forward Ross Wall volleyed a super shot that struck our post. With 3 minutes of normal time left we finally put the tie to bed with a goal from Harry Shepherd who finished off from close range a pass from Kieran Turner. FT Score 0-3.

A terrific performance and result against a very good team. Shep and Bailey must enjoy this competition having scored 7 goals in the first two rounds (4 to Shep and 3 to Bailey) and 20 goals in total this season (10 a piece). Whilst these two will naturally get most of the plaudits we mustn’t forget that this was a team performance with every player doing their bit.

We mustn’t also forget the hard work put in by Ryan and his team of coaches who are building a very strong squad of players (don’t forget we are still missing Harrison Cornick, Max Hercules, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Lee Stobbs and Josh Ameganvi) and who got their tactics spot on for this tough fixture.

After 4 cup games (in which we won 3 and lost just 1 on pens against a team from a higher league) we make a welcome return to League action on Saturday at home to Potton United who are 3rd in the table.

Team:

TA: Bradley Shaw, George Carbery (Capt) (Mason Clarke 85), Greg Deer, Dave O’Connor, Adam Sawyer, Jack Harvey, Harry Beaumont, Frankie Hercules (Noah Butler 77), Harry Shepherd (Jonah Howgego 88), Bailey Osborne (Harry Jones 90), Benji Kakembo (Kieran Turner 67).

Scorers:

SWT: -

TA: Bailey Osborne (41, 69), Harry Shepherd (87)

Crowd: 297