It was a day to remember for Biggleswade FC yesterday as they cruised to a 6-1 Buildbase FA Vase fifth round victory over Windsor FC in front of a club record crowd of 557 at Langford Road.
The tie saw hot host's who are currently second in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division take on The Royalists who were in fourteenth place of the Hellenic Premier League prior to kick off. The word on the street before the game was that the visitor's current position didn't outline what a good side they were with some quality players in their squad managed by Mick Woodham who has been with the club since September 2012. Former Fulham player Barry Hayles is player coach with the club and still plays regularly at the age of 46 - He was named as substitute in this game.
Throughout the first half the home side were the better side with Windsor happy to sit back and hit them on the counter attack or attempt to score via set pieces. Captain Alex Marsh was immense in the midfield areas running his socks off as well as Ryan Inskip and Tom Cookman working hard up front. Despite Biggleswade having long spells of possession it was Windsor who arguably had the best chance of the first period just prior to the half time break when a free kick from the left hand side caused a goalmouth scramble and was cleared off the line by a defender.
The pattern of the game continued after the break with the home side's movement and attacking play very impressive - I have mentioned Marsh, Inskip and Cookman above but to single those out for praise would be unfair as every Biggleswade player performed excellently.
On 47 minutes it was 1-0 when Ryan Inskip tapped home at the far post following some great work on the right hand side by Adam Hunt.
Windsor keeper Hugo Sobte had made a number of good saves before, on 64 minutes, Inskip made it 2-0 with a great striker from outside of the box which hit the keeper's right hand post and then the back of the net.
On 73 minutes it was 3-0 when the hard working Cookman won the ball just inside the Windsor half and his cross was met by Lee Northfield whose low shot beat the keeper with no problems.
On 79 minutes Alex Marsh got the goal his play had deserved. He received the ball on the left hand side just outside the box and smashed the ball right into the right hand corner of the net - It was a real goal of the season contender.
Inskip had the assist with the next goal when he put Northfield in for his second goal to make it 5-0 and it was then 6-0 when Alex Marsh's freekick was parried by the unlucky keeper only for the unmarked defender Nick Henebery to slide in and connect with the ball to send it into the net.
Windsor scored a late penalty via Matt Stockill to make the final score 6-1. Their loyal fans whom had travelled from Berkshire were of the opinion the better side had won and took the defeat in a sporting manner giving their players a good round of applause after the game.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Eighteen minutes of footage including all seven goals scored
Wembley is not to be for them this year - they reached the quarter-final last season losing to Stockton Town 0-2 away who went on to be runner's up at the national stadium - so I have no doubts they will be back next season ready for another shot at the competition.
They have a long midweek 4+ hour round-trip to Gloucestershire to face Lydney Town in a Hellenic League Floodlit Cup Third Round game tomorrow. Good Luck to them for the rest of the season.
For Biggleswade the dream of reaching the final continues - they have been drawn away to Southern Counties East Premier Division side Canterbury City in the quarter-final. City currently ground share at Faversham Town who are due to play at home to Whyteleafe on Saturday 23rd February so it's likely the game will take place at Salters Lane on Sunday 24th February.
City are currently in tenth place in their division and beat United Counties League Premier Division side Leiceseter Nirvana in their fourth round game on Saturday which was watched by 334 people.
The big games keep coming for Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip's side - next for them is a highly important top of the table Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division clash at home to Hadley on Saturday.
BUILDBASE FA VASE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
to be played on the weekend of Saturday 23rd February
Hebburn Town or West Auckland Town v Irlam or Chertsey Town
Canterbury City v Biggleswade FC
Willand Rovers v Cray Valley (PM)
Northwich Victoria v Sholing
The re-arranged games between Hebburn Town and West Auckland Town & Irlam v Chertsey Town are due to be played next Saturday.
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