FA Vase | Coventry Sphinx go big as Vase reaches First Round proper

Coventry Sphinx FC were the highest scorers on Saturday in the FA Vase First Round, as 99 matches took place up and down the non-league pyramid.

Credit: @SGuest21

By Amos Murphy

Sphinx prove no match for dead and buried Bridgnorth

Callum Stewart and Ryan Harkin scored hat-tricks for Coventry Sphinx as they progressed to the Second Round of the FA Vase in style, beating AFC Bridgnorth 9-0.

Unsurprisingly, it was the United Counties League Premier Division South side’s record win in the Vase, with further goals scored by Loz Rawlings, Louis Guest and Josh Willis.

Rather more surprisingly, all nine goals were scored before the 80^th minute mark, with the Sphinx unable to add what would’ve been a memorable 10^th late on.

Big wins for both the ‘Hursts

Buckhurst Hill and Brockenhurst both progressed in convincing style, with the pair putting on a show in their First Round wins.

Brockenhurst netted six without return as they saw off Bodmin Town, with Silvano Obeng and Christie Ward both scoring braces.

Meanwhile, Buckhurst also were in the goals as they beat Great Yarmouth Town 5-1.

Plenty of goals in action-packed First Round

In similar fashion to the two ‘Hurst clubs, a number of sides across the round having fun going forward, with Vase viewers treated to a goals-show.

Wroxham, Highgate United, Abbey Hey and Sheppey United all hit six in their respective wins over Benfleet, Wellingborough Whitworths, Parkgate and Forest Hill Park.

Whereas it was seven-heaven for the likes of Pilkington and Gresley Rovers in their wins over West Allotment Celtic and Harrowby United.

Isle of Man left sink in historic maiden voyage

It wasn’t to be for FC Isle of Man in their first-ever FA Vase tie, as the side from the island off the shore of North-West England were beaten by Billingham Synthonia.

It had looked as if there might be a shock result on the cards when Furo Davies equalised to make it 2-2 midway through the second half.

However, Ben Henderson netted twice in the final half-an-hour to complete his hat-trick and send Synthonia through to the Second Round.

Penalty heroics for just under quarter of teams

There would be nail-biting ends for 36 sides in the First Round, as 18 teams progressed booked their place in the Second Round with penalty shootout wins.

Wythenshawe Town, Fareham Town and Gorleston were amongst the sides to confirm their ticket to round two with a win from 12-yards.

Yet, the drama was heightened for Burscough, Athletic Newham, Wallingford Town and Hamworthy United, who all prevailed by 6-5 margins.

You can explore the full list of FA Vase First Round results on the FA website.