There was excitement in the build up to this FA Vase Third Round tie as we welcomed Southall FC of the Spartan South Midlands League (Division 1) to Redding Way. Although they defeated Camberley Town 4-0 in the previous round we were quietly confident of progressing and giving the fans another day to remember. Sadly, for us, for whatever reason we bowed out following an unconvincing display with a few players at nowhere near their usual standards. This was very surprising given our recent endeavours in the competition.

Full credit though goes to Southall FC who probably expected a sterner test. Two first half goals courtesy of Bennett and Harvey paved the way for their victory and even though Charlie Postance pulled one back early in the second half we didn’t test Power-Simpson enough in the Southall goal.
Postance, Danny Taylor, Rob Kersley and Chris Patterson all had chances but for this game anyway, we were wasteful in front of goal.

Jamie Doble was one player to come out of the game with real credit as he was a rock in defence against Harvey who looked dangerous all afternoon. With more composure he could have put the result well out of our reach. Bennett pulled the strings in the offensive third and we struggled to get to grips with him at times.
Cradwell and Pace dealt well with the aerial threat as too often we missed out the midfield and played long balls forward, this also restricted Timmy Taylor and Ross Cheek getting forward from the full back positions.

Sometimes in football you just have to hold your hands up and acknowledge on the day that we were not good enough to win the game. The fact that it was the FA Vase is not a good feeling but the season goes on with plenty still to play for.
Good Luck to Southall in the next round and will be good to see them go all the way to Wembley in May.