Sam’s Section: Gloucestershire represented deep in FA Trophy and FA Vase as Hartpury and Forest Green continue road to Wembley
You know what time it is and this week I’ll be delving into our final two Gloucestershire teams in the FA Trophy and FA Vase.
Both competitions hit the Round of 16 stage this Saturday with Forest Green Rovers (FA Trophy) and Hartpury University (FA Vase) Gloucestershire’s representatives.
Rovers travel to National League North low sitters, Oxford City whilst Hartpury christen a historic day for the club when they travel to VCD Athletic.
VCD Athletic v Hartpury University (FA Vase, The Oakwood, Saturday February 1st, kick off 3pm)
Hartpury prepare to enter the last 16 of the Vase for the first time in their history when they face Dartford based side, VCD Athletic.
A third successive 1-0 win in the competition against Fareham Town last time out saw Hartpury into the fifth round following on from wins over Wells City and East Cowes Victoria.
And Hartpury will be looking to continue this historic run, but also return to a rich vein of form having won just one of their last four games in all competitions.
But the current Hellenic League Premier leaders face some stern competition in VCD Athletic who currently sit second in the Southern Counties East League Premier.
VCD Athletic have lost just one of their last ten games in all competitions and have worked hard to get to this stage having been involved since the First Qualifying Round back in August.
Oxford City v Forest Green Rovers (FA Trophy, The MGroup Stadium, Saturday February 1st, kick off 3pm)
Rovers excellent season so far has guided them in to the last 16 of the FA Trophy as they travel to Oxford City for the first ever meeting between the sides.
A win for Rovers would see them reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009 and they can carry their current 17-game league unbeaten run into this one.
A 2-0 win over Chorley last time out and a penalties victory against Braintree Town in the third round see Rovers reach the fifth round.
Striker, Joe Quigley, picked up his first two goals in a Rovers shirt during their Chorley victory following his arrival at The New Lawn in August.
But City will be full of confidence heading into this one having recorded victories in the competition so far.
First came a 5-0 demolishing of Sporting Khalsa in the second round before a 2-1 win over Hadley leading onto a 3-0 victory against Biggleswade Town.
City sit 18th in the National League North, five points above the relegation zone, and are currently winless in their last three game.
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READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
READ MORE: Check out the list of Sunday’s Women’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
Cover photo copyright: The FA
