FA Vase preparations begin as Newark learn cup fate tonight

It was a nervy finish for Newark FC as they progressed to the third round of the FA Vase with a 4-3 win at Boldmere St Michaels.

Newark took the lead thanks to Danny Meadows’ penalty in the 20th minute and eight minutes later it was 2-0 when Craig Westcarr pounced on a short back pass.

At the start of the second-half Newark had the security of a 3-0 lead thanks Meadows’ second — a well-struck effort from 25 yards.

What followed was a goal-crazy 17 minutes as the Highwaymen led 4-2 after 64 minutes.

Ahmed Obeng’s 20-yard effort opened Boldmere’s account, and by the 55th minute Obeng had his second.

Westcarr restored a comfortable two-goal lead in the 64th minute by smashing the ball home from close range, but the hosts then netted again with 17 minutes to play, which set up a nail-biting finish for Newark fans who were nervously updating their social media feeds as tier restrictions prevented fans from attending.

Despite the drama, Newark secured the win and joint-manager Craig Roche praised the performance, which sets up a third round clash at Lowfields on Saturday, December 19.

“It was a good game, we started really well and dominated the first half,” said Roche.

“We could have had a few more goals without them having any reason to argue about it.

“At one point we went 3-0 up and we were comfortable, thinking the game was done, but a mistake at the back let them in and then they got themselves back into it and started to believe again.

“They really put it on us for the next 15 minutes and managed to get another.

“But it was a closer scoreline than what the game suggested.

“We were the better team and we deserved the win.”

Roche said a major positive was the condition of his players.

“We were very pleased (with how they performed),” he said.

“We got more than we expected from the players, which shows that they have been working hard while they have been away.

“We only had that one session together on Thursday to prepare for the game, so we couldn’t have asked for much more from the lads because we got the win.

“Boldmere are a good side and to get away from there and move to the next round — you can’t ask for anything more.”

Monday’s third round draw revealed Newark would host the winner of Walsall Wood versus AFC Bridgnorth next Saturday (December 19).

Roche said all his focus is now on the next round.

“It is obviously nice to get a home tie, that is the first thing,” he said.

“We definitely know that we are playing in two weeks time now (as the Midlands Football League said it would not play games behind closed doors, however, FA competitions must go ahead).

“We are hoping fans are allowed back in by Saturday — it would be a huge boost.

“We will also have one eye on the that game (Walsall vs Bridgnorth).

“We know about Walsall Wood. They are in our division and they a very good side.

“On the other hand, we don’t know too much about Bridgnorth at the minute, but at the this stage we know you are only going to face good sides.

“There’s no game at the weekend, so we will train and work towards that game.”

Walsall, who host Bridgnorth tonight, sit 11th in the MFL and lost 2-1 to Newark earlier in the season.

Last year, the two sides met once before the league was made null and void with Walsall running out 2-0 winners at home.

A win next Saturday would see Newark scoop £1,125 in prize money and equal last season’s progress in the national tournament.

UPDATE: Last night, Walsall Wood beat AFC Bridgnorth 3-0.