The FA Vase is my favourite competition at our level. The chance for adventure and to pit yourselves against other Step Five and Six sides outside of your normal league, says Tunbridge Wells boss Steve Ives

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Steve Ives says he wants to create more memorable FA Vase moments for the club.

 

The Wells are currently sitting in eleventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having picked up 15 points from 12 games.

Eastbourne resident Ives takes his side to Bexhill based outfit Little Common in the First Round tomorrow and knows a lot about them.

“Little Common are a well-established Southern Counties side with plenty or proven players at this level and above,” said Ives.

“We give them the respect they deserve but are focusing on ourselves and performing to the best of our abilities.

“The FA Vase is my favourite competition at our level.  The chance for adventure and to pit yourselves against other Step Five and Six sides outside of your normal league.

“Our club and fans have a rich history in the competition. It’s just over a decade since Martin Larkin famously led the team all the way to Wembley, and supporters still talk about some of the famous games on that run and in subsequent seasons.

“We know as much as we need to know. A few of their players have played for me and I have respect for their manager and how they run the club.”

Reflecting on his side's league position, Ives said: “We currently sit halfway, with a lot of football left to play.  There have been a lot of transition on and off the pitch in a short space of time and we are working hard to get some consistency and momentum going. If we can do that, then let’s see where it takes us.”

Little Common are presently in ninth-place in the Southern Combination League Premier Division table with 20 points from 15 games and have lost their last three games in all competitions.

Little Common  v  Tunbridge Wells
The Isuzu FA Vase First Round
Saturday 21 October 2023
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Little Common Recreation Ground, Green Lane, Bexhill, East Sussex TN39 4PH