We have done relatively well for the last couple of seasons and if we were to make it to the last 32 of The FA Vase it would be an incredible achievement for everybody connected to the club, says Stansfeld joint-manager Jamie Phipps

STANSFELD joint-manager Jamie Phipps says it will be an incredible achievement if the amateur club can reach the last 32 of The FA Vase for the first time on Sunday.

Jointly-managed by Phipps and Billy Hamlin, Stansfeld face higher league opposition again in the shape of Frimley Green in the Third Round at Foxbury Avenue in Chislehurst.

Stansfeld reached the Second Round for the first time last season but went down to a 3-0 home defeat to Flackwell Heath, who went on to create a shock by knocking out Chatham Town in the next round.

Stansfeld created their own shock on 21 November when two early goals inside the opening 12 minutes from Rob Hughes and Ollie Milton ensured they beat Badshot Lea 2-1 in the last round.

Stansfeld have already beaten Bagshot (3-1), Worthing United (5-1) and their league rivals Staplehurst Monarchs United (3-1) but it was their win over Combined Counties League Premier Division South side Badshot Lea last time out that gives them confidence against Frimley Green.

The Surrey side are in the bottom five in Badshot Lea’s division, having collected 17 points from their 15 league outings and Phipps went to watch their 2-1 home defeat to Balham on 27 November.

Frimley Green’s last league outing, however, was a 1-1 home draw against Badshot Lea last Saturday, so cannot be underestimated.

Frimley Green have beaten Shrivenham (3-0), AFC Aldermaston (3-0), Rochester United (2-1), and United Services Portsmouth (5-1) and like Stansfeld are aiming to reach the Fourth Round for the very first time.

“We are really looking forward to the game and hope to continue the journey that we are on,” said Phipps.

“We have done relatively well for the last couple of seasons and if we were to make it to the last 32 it would be an incredible achievement for everybody connected to the club.

“We never take days like these for granted so we will enjoy it the best we can.

“Dave Mehmet and I went to watch Frimley’s game against Balham a couple of weeks ago and they are a good side, solid at the back and through midfield and look lively up front so we are expecting a very tough game as you would expect against a team from a higher level.”

Phipps revealed that strikers Lee Friend and Billy Shinners are both cup-tied having played in the competition for other sides but his side go into the game having won their last four games.

“We have bounced back really well following our defeat to Tooting Bec, beating some really good sides along the way, so will be hoping we can continue the good run on Sunday,” added Phipps.

Stansfeld are presently sitting at the top of the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table with 39 points from 16 games but can be overtaken by Bridon Ropes or Sutton Athletic should they beat Westside and Tooting Bec respectively 24 hours before their biggest ever game.

Stansfeld  v  Frimley Green
The Buildbase FA Vase Third Round
Sunday 12 December 2021
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Foxbury Avenue, off Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6SD