Warminster Town made the journey to Farnham in Surrey for the first qualifying round of the FA Vase. This competition offers the hope to play a final at Wembley for the two teams that make it to the end. Farnham Town plays in the equivalent of a division higher, but in 2019, Warminster brushed aside several higher-ranked opponents and hoped to do so again. 

This time, hopes became dashed at the first attempt with Farnham Town winning 4 – 0. From the first whistle, the home side looked sharp and looking for victory, forcing Thompson into making an early save. Not to be outdone, Warminster’s Martin Johnson saw his goal attempt go just wide. 

Farnham broke through with the opening goal in the 24th minute. A corner taken short, then back to the taker was flighted in towards Warminster’s left post and met by the head of Ashey Lloyd. His header went towards the right upright, beating everyone in the process and into the net. 

Three minutes later (27), Farnham would double their tally. A cross from Stewart from the right across Warminster’s goal saw the keeper slide and try to clear the ball with his feet. He lost out under pressure, and the ball returned to Stewart, who tucked it away into the right-hand side of the net.

Farnham’s third goal was a penalty, taken well by Joshua Ogunseye (38), sending Thomson the wrong way. Finishing off Warminster’s first-half woes was the goal scored by Matt Glass. A long goal kick was played on by an opposing player; Glass headed it down to his own feet and, from the left side of the penalty area, shot past Thomson into the right corner of the net.

Warminster improved in their second-half performance, but the score remained the same. With a four-goal deficit, it was a mountain to climb. Manager, Andy Crabtree after the match, confirmed his disappointment with the way the team had played and the fundamental errors, which led to the loss.

Team: Thomson, Bartley, Cockerill, Graham(s), De-Silva, Churchyard, Johnson L, Mortimer-Taylor(s), Johnson M, Wain, McKay

Subs: (used) Humphreys, Stockley

Subs: (unused) Miluk, Jeffrey