A crowd of 602 were present at Salters Lane in Faversham where Canterbury City currently ground-share to witness today's Buidlbase FA Vase Quarter-Final. A good percentage were wearing green having made the journey from Bedfordshire with dreams of playing at Wembley stadium in the final. Sadly it wasn't to be for Biggleswade FC who went down 2-1 to a hard working home side who have reserved their best form for the Road To Wembley this season.
The visitors were more of a footballing side with the home side playing a more direct long ball style. It was a dream start for the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side as Tom Cookman finished from close range on seven minutes to make it 0-1.
The game would be ultimately decided with a goal either side of half time by Canterbury City. On 42 minutes Chris Saunder's spectacular dipping shot from way outside of the box was out of the top draw and gave Biggleswade keeper Ross Tompkins no chance.
Then on 46 minutes Dean Grant was played in and neatly slotted the ball into the net. Biggleswade piled on the pressure for the remainder of the second half and had most of the possession but never looked at their fluent free-scoring best against a dogged hard working physical Canterbury City side.
City are the second Southern Counties East League side in the semi-finals alongside Cray Valley PM who won at Willand Rovers yesterday. Chertsey Town and Northwich Victoria make up the four who will be in the draw made tomorrow.
For Biggleswade FC the Wembley dream is over and they now have a little over 48 hours until their next game which is a an away league game at Leverstock Green on Tuesday evening. For City playing in the final could become a reality with a victory in the two-legged semi-final coming up - off the pitch the club will remain homeless for the foreseeable future after plans for a new stadium were refused by local councillors recently. I'm sure every football fan will wish them well in their search for a place they can call home. Their successful run in the Vase will hopefully gain them some much needed local support in their campaign.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
JUST THE GOALS
At the time of writing which is just after 10.30pm they have been viewed over 4,500 times on social media which shows that non-league football is gaining in popularity - support your local club!
FULL HIGHLIGHTS
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