Berkshire has three clubs in the Quarter Finals of the 2017/18 FA Vase competition for possibly the first time in the competitions history and all three of Bracknell Town, Windsor and Thatcham Town have as good a chance as any of reaching a historic semi final.
Both Thatcham and Windsor have been drawn away so the big tie will see Bracknell Town welcoming Ebac Northern League side Marske United to Larges Lane on Saturday 24th February. United are according to bookmakers Bet Victor the favourites to lift the famous trophy at Wembley Stadium, but aren’t far behind them in those particular rankings.
Thatcham have the relatively straightforward trip down the A4 through the Wessex Downs to Western League side Melksham Town while Windsor have a gruelling 528 mile round trip to Middlesbrough to face Stockton Town.
The full FA Vase Quarter Final draw:
When the quarter final draw was made on Monday 5th February, it was almost nailed on that two of the Berkshire sides would surely draw each other. Miraculously they were kept apart as they have been since the Robins and the Kingfishers entered at the first round stage. Windsor were involved two rounds previous to that and all three sides are guaranteed a total financial prize in excess of £8,000, even if they lose their last eight tie.
- Bracknell Town v Marske United
- Melksham Town v Thatcham Town
- Stockton Town v Windsor
- Leighton Town v 1874 Northwich
Weather affected
It will almost certainly be a weather affected weekend in the Vase with temperatures set to plummet thanks to an icy blast from the arctic.
Full details on the Met Office warnings here but it might be time to buy an extra thick pair of socks for the terraces on Saturday.
What happens next in the FA Vase?
Following the conclusion of the ties on Saturday, the draw for the two legged semi finals will be on Monday at 1pm – probably live on Talksport 2 as the last two rounds have been.
Should the need for a replay arise, that will take place on the following Saturday. The semi-final first leg is on Saturday 17th March, the second leg on Saturday 24th March and the Wembley final is on Sunday 20th May.
If you want to keep an eye on all the clubs left in the competition, their twitter accounts are: @1874Northwich, @MELKSHAMTOWNFC, @WolvesSporting, @leightontownfc, @stockton_townfc, @MarskeUnitedFC, @Thatcham_TownFC, @bracknelltownfc and @windsorfc
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