We did really well in The FA Vase last season, but we want to do better this year and make history for the club by making it into the first round proper for the very first time, says Holmesdale boss Lee Roots

HOLMESDALE manager Lee Roots says he wants his side to reach The FA Vase First Round for the first time in their history tomorrow.

The Bromley based side are in third-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table with nine points from their opening four league outings.

Holmesdale welcome AFC Varndeanians to Oakley Road tomorrow in The FA Vase Second Qualifying Round, after seeing off their league rivals Kent Football United in the last round by winning 4-2.

Their opponents play at the same level and are in fourth-place in the Southern Combination League First Division table, unbeaten in five league games with 13 points from five games.

“Really looking forward to Saturday’s FA Vase game,” said Roots.

“It’s a fantastic competition for all non-league clubs to be involved in and it is even more special this time around for all of the players involved after the long lay-off this year.

“We did really well in the competition last season, but we want to do better this year and make history for the club by making it into the first round proper for the very first time.

“We face a solid opposition in AFC Varndeanians. They have been very strong in there start to the season and we have done as much homework on the opposition as we can and we go into the game full of confidence, fully aware and ready for the challenge that we know awaits.  

“Every member of our squad is available for this week for the first time this season, which will be crucial for us in our campaign of games ahead this week and will allow us to approach tomorrow's game with lots of
energy and desire.”

Roots was delighted with his players after coming away from much-fancied side Rusthall with a 3-1 win last weekend.

Jimmy Anderson’s side are languishing in thirteenth-place in the table with a win from their opening four games, six points fewer than Holmesdale.

“We really were excellent throughout from minute one to 90 showing great levels of control in the game,” said Roots.

“It was a great display from the lads and gives us great momentum to take into tomorrow’s game.”

With fans’ of neighbouring National League side Bromley still locked out of Hayes Lane, Roots wants to attract a large crowd to Oakley Road.

“We warmly invite our fans and local residents to come and support the lads and club tomorrow. We have received some great support so far this season, we thank you and hope to see more of you at Oakley Road on Saturday,” added Roots.

Holmesdale v AFC Varndeanians
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 10 October 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ