A look back: FA Vase review

The Football Association Challenge Vase, usually referred to as the FA Vase, is an annual football competition for teams playing in Steps 5 and 6 of the English National League System (or equivalently, tier 9 or 10 of the overall English football league system). The current holders are Newport Pagnell Town FC who play in the United Counties Premier Division South, who defeated Littlehampton Town 3-0 at Wembley.

The history of Tadley-Calleva in the FA Vase spans over 10 years and some 21 fixtures. Our first fixture in the FA Vase came in August 2022 where we travelled to fellow Wessex League opposition, New Milton. It wasn't to be the dream start to our FA Vase journey as we eventually succumbed to our hosts aggressive attacking play and lost the tie 1-0.

Results in the competition in the past 10 years have been varied with our best run in the competition coming in the 2015/16 where we reached the 3 Round, eventually losing to a midweek replay after extra time to Newport IOW. Our biggest win in the competition also came in this season as we defeated Woodley United 6-0 at Barlows park.

This season's competition has seen us play both qualifying rounds away from home. A 0-2 win against Virginia Water kickstarted our campaign. In the 2nd Qualifying round we were treated to a trip down to Wiltshire to face Calne Town of the Hellenic Football League who registered a 0-2 victory away at Shortwood in the previous round.

A tough 2-2 draw, and a last minute equaliser from the penalty spot allowed us to take the tie to penalties. With composure & confidence we were victorious and got ourselves into the hat for the First Round Proper of the 2022/23 Isuzu FA Vase.

In the 21 fixtures, Tadley-Calleva have:

Games Won - 10

Games Drawn - 1

Games Lost - 10

Goals For - 36

Goals Against - 41

Our visitors, Guildford City, made their best FA Vase run in the 2010/11 season where they reached the 4th Round of the competition, eventually losing 2-6 at home to Leiston, who themselves were eliminated at the quarter final stage.

Last season, The Sweeney, were knocked out on penalties in the 3rd round by Southall FC, who went on to be promoted to Step 4.

Due to their successes in last seasons competition, the 1st round tie this weekend is their first in this years FA Vase.

Tadley-Calleva FA Vase Results

2012/13                       

1st Qualifying Round             

New Milton - Away - 1-0 L

2013/14

1st Qualifying Round

Knaphill - Away - 5-1 L

2014/15

1st Qualifying Round

Alton FC - Away - 1-2 W

2nd Qualifying Round

Hook Norton - Away - 1-0 L

2015/16

1st Qualifying Round

Woodley United - Home - 6-0 W

2nd Qualifying Round

Chertsey Town - Away - 0-2 W

1st Round

Littlehampton Town - Away - 1-2 W

2nd Round

Haywards Heath - Home - 4-0 W

3rd Round

Newport IOW - Home - 2-2 D Newport IOW - Away - 4-2 L (aet)

2016/17

1st Qualifying Round

Thame United - Away - 5-1 L

2017/18

1st Qualifying Round

Andover New Street - Home - 3-2 W

2nd Qualifying Round

AFC Porchester - Away - 3-0 L

2018/19

1st Qualifying Round

Ascot United - Home - 3-1 W

2nd Qualifying Round

Chertsey Town - Home - 0-1 L

2019/20

2nd Qualifying Round

Royal Wootton Bassett - Home - 1-0 W

1st Round

Bitton - Away - 1-6 L

2020/21

2nd Qualifying Round

Frimley Green - Home - 1-2 L

2021/22

2nd Qualifying Round

Ascot United - Home - 1-4 L

2022/23

1st Qualifying Round

Virginia Water - Away - 0-2 W

2nd Qualifying Round

Calne Town - Away - 2-2 (4-5 penalties) W