Abingdon and Thame given tough FA Vase tests

Abingdon United have been rewarded for their victory against Oxford City Nomads with a home draw against Thatcham Town in the First Round of the FA Vase, whilst Thame United will travel to Walton & Hersham.

Step 6 Abingdon pulled off an upset in the second qualifying round with their 3-2 victory at Marsh Lane. The hosts had recovered from 2-0 down, however Boyan Thorpe scored the winner minutes from time to seal the win for Abingdon.

The Kingfishers will be a much tougher test however. This will be their first match in this year’s competition after finishing second in the Hellenic League last season, and their victory at Ascot United at the weekend sent them to the top of the table on goals scored.

Another surprise win for the Yellows would see them progress to the Second Round for the second time in three seasons. Thatcham have one just one of their three FA Vase ties since stepping down from the Southern League in 2014.

Thame have reached the First Round with victories against Tadley Calleva (5-1) and Royal Wootton Bassett Town (4-2). Last season they reached the Third Round for the first time since their run to the semi finals in 1999, however they were beaten by Oxfordshire rivals Kidlington.

Their opponents Walton & Hersham, who are based in Walton-on-Thames, were relegated from Ryman League Division One South last season after 35 years in the Isthmian League. As such, this is their first ever participation in the Vase. Like Thame they are currently unbeaten in the league and sit third in the Combined Counties Premier Division.

The games will be played on the 22nd October. The full draw can be seen on the FA’s website.