The Isuzu FA Vase

FA Vase Semi-Finalists target victory over favourites

Friday 28 Mar 2014
The FA Vase Semi-Final first legs take place on Saturday

St Andrews club secretary Brett Wells is hoping his side can "prove people wrong" against 2012 finalists West Auckland Town during their Semi-Final in The FA Vase.

The Leicestershire club defeated Newcastle Benfield 1-0 in their quarter final and have been drawn against the only club of the quartet to play at Wembley before.

But St Andrews, who have never made it to this stage of the competition before, are raring to go against their County Durham opponents.

 

West Aukland Town v St. Andrews

The FA Carlsberg Vase
Semi-Final first leg
3pm, Saturday 29 March
Darlington Road, West Auckland Town FC
Winners receive £6000
By Haydn Cobb

 

 

Wells, whose uncle and father helped found the club, said: "It'll be such a big occasion for the whole club and we've been underestimated before and proven people wrong, so we are looking to do it again.

"Newcastle Benfield were favourites in our quarter final and we had to give a dogged performance to come away with victory."

West Auckland Town gained revenge on Dunston in their Sixth Round tie with a 1-0 victory and after painfully losing The FA Vase Final two years ago, they are now favourites to lift the trophy this year.

But St Andrews are challenging towards the top in their division - and have games in hand - so Wells wouldn't rule out the chance of his club becoming champions.

The challenge for them is managing their packed fixture list before the first leg of the Semi-Final on Saturday.

The FA Carlsberg Vase

St Andrews are hoping to reach The FA Vase Final for the first time this season

 

St Andrews have to fulfil their games in hand on teams above them in the league and play a county cup semi-final against Graham Street Prims on Thursday.

Wells added: "We have done as much as we can to get ready for West Auckland, but with a league game on Tuesday and a county cup semi final on Thursday, it's going to be tough.

"But our own success has brought this situation on us."

Wells also explained how the club have spread responsibility between the first team and reserves to maintain their challenge on a possible treble.

"This being our first time in The FA Vase Semi-Final gives a fantastic team spirit," he added.

"The financial boost has been split between the players and we've had massive support from the fans and the local media."

By FA Staff