Manager Paul Palmer has not been afraid of making changes at Southall since he took over 12 months ago – and they seem to be working.
That is evident no more so than in The Buildbase FA Vase where the club has beaten higher division opponents in every round.
Four away victories since being granted a first qualifying round walkover and they are into the last 32 where they face Wiltshire-based Bradford Town on Saturday.
And Palmer is confident his team are on course for a successful season.
“I took the job on late last year when the club was not doing so well, we brought some players in and me and Matt (Penfold) my assistant we had a change around,” Palmer said.
“We brought players in who we trusted and we have been slowly sliding players into the team. There were a couple of games where we weren’t happy, but it’s starting to take shape.
“I had a plan before the season and we are sticking to that and we look like we can achieve that. We have got to be happy to be in one of the biggest cups.”
Southall will face higher division opponents once again this weekend and manager Palmer knows it is going to take another monumental effort from his charges to spring the latest surprise on the road.
“We have done well, we have gone out there and put a performance in every round and are starting to do it in the league too,” he added.
“Hopefully we are kicking on now. It’s a bit unfortunate we have been away from home, the draws are not coming out our way, but we are happy to go away and do a job.”
FA Vase historyIn 1985/86 Southall reached the FA Vase final, but lost 3-0 and have never been able to reach the same stage since.
Bradford Town had their best run in 2014/15 where they missed out on a quarter-final berth after a 2-1 defeat to Highworth Town.
One to watch
Southall midfielder Jack Bennett has been in fine form in recent weeks, while for Bradford, Kane Simpson returned from his loan spell with Paulton Rovers with two goals against Bridport in mid-December and will be looking to add to that tally.
Did you know?
Pop star Maxi Priest, whose 1988 hit Wild World reached No5 in the UK Charts, turned out for Southall at the age of 43 alongside his son Marvin with the club in the midst of an injury crisis. Priest’s sole appearance came in a 3-0 league defeat to Feltham in March 2003.
The prize
The winners will take home £2,000 and book a place in the draw for the last 16.
The final of The Buildbase FA Vase forms part of Non League Finals Day, which takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 21 May. Tickets are now on sale from TheFA.com/Tickets, priced at just £12.50 for adults and £1 for children.
