Stuart Williamson has been the story of Lymington Town’s FA Vase run so far and, given Bristol Manor Farm’s recent form, the goalkeeper may have to reach top gear again on Saturday.
On the day of his child’s birthday party, the experienced stopper answered a last-minute SOS call to play in the second round qualifying and duly saved an incredible three penalties as the Linnets beat Oldland Abbotonians 1-0 after extra time.
That set up a tie with Wells City but disaster struck, with Williamson ruled out of the clash due to cracked ribs.
Bristol Manor Farm v Lymington Town
The FA Vase
Second Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 21 November 2015
The Creek, Bristol Manor Farm
Winners receive £1000 from prize fund
By Paddy von Behr
And after trying assistant manager Stuart Kenna and striker Roy Viner between the posts in the run-up to the game, manager John Pyatt called on Ben Field.
"He was a friend of one of the lads and he had a free Saturday," shrugged Pyatt.
But the stand-in kept a clean sheet as Lymington moved into the second round proper, where they will meet Bristol Manor Farm.
The Western League Premier Division leaders are not shy in front of goal, having netted 11 times in their last two outings, and the manager admits his goalkeeper faces a potent opposition.
"Stuart is still struggling a little bit with his ribs but he will be inbetween the sticks," said Pyatt. "We had a game called off on Tuesday night – that helped us out with his preparation.
"The Oldland Abbotonians game was unbelievable. Stuart was going to have the day off because it was his three-year-old’s birthday party. I got let down at 7am and out of the blue I texted him saying ‘can you help us out?’ and he came to the rescue.
"He has been at the club for 12 years now and he is one of those keepers who is a steady seven or eight out of ten every game. He is so consistent.
"This is an important competition. It is not just the finances of a cup run, but it brings a lot to the club – a good atmosphere and it is healthy for competition for places. They all want to be playing in these big games."
Bristol Manor Farm, on the other hand, are flying high at the moment – most recently recording a 5-1 win against Wells City, Lymington’s opponents in the last round.
The Farm saw off Bridport 3-0 in the first round proper of The FA Vase, where they entered the competition, and manager Lee Lashenko is eager to ensure the run does not stop there.
"We know a little bit about Lymington," he said "We played them a couple of years ago and won the game comfortably but I don’t expect it to be that comfortable this time around.
"It’s a competition that we want to go far in. Everyone dreams about Wembley and there is no reason why we can’t live the dream.
"This game is massive for us and we are taking it seriously – it’s the biggest games of our season. You don’t let your imagination get carried away but we want to stay involved as long as possible."
