'This is the best chance to play at Wembley' - How urges Gornal to keep Fa Vase dream alive
Gornal Athletic boss Stuart How has told his players to keep dreaming of Wembley as they look to continue their impressive FA Vase run.
Gornal have raced to the top of the Midland One, racking up 50 points from just 19 games, and have been in unstoppable form - winning their last 12 matches in all competitions.
The club reached the quarter finals of the FA Vase in 2012/13, and How’s side are now looking to create some history of their own. Tomorrow, they welcome Atherstone Town, hoping to progress to the third round for the first time in 11 years.
“The message to the players every time we play in the competition is, this is the best chance you are going to get to play at Wembley,” How said.
“For as long as you remain in the competition, you have to keep believing that you can go all the way. But, we are under no illusions how difficult it is to do that.
“When we spoke to the players at the start of the season I expressed how important the FA Vase is to the club, having been on a couple of good runs as a player myself.
“A few players within the ranks have also been on those journeys in the competition which helps highlight how special the competition is.
“There is a bit of a buzz around the place because of it. Hopefully we can remain in the hat.”
Elsewhere in the FA Vase, Dudley Town visit Sherwood Colliery looking to reach the third round for the first time in their history.
“It is well documented what it would mean to progress,” said Robins boss Matty Lovatt.
“We have learned lessons from times when we have been at this stage before and got too hung up on the outside noise.”
In the Midland Premier, Brocton travel to Highgate United while Lye Town host Stone Old Alleynians.
In the Midland One, Cradley Town go to Leicester St Andrews, Smethwick Rangers entertain Saffron Dynamo, and Wednesfield welcome Nuneaton Griff.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, Eccleshall entertain Ashville, Wolverhampton Casuals welcome Haughmond, and Wolves Sporting visit Telford Town.
And in the Hellenic League One, leaders Bewdley Town welcome Stonehouse Town.
