As we are coming to the end of another season of football, I am reviewing football in the south west, what it means to the community and to show that our great south west region offers a lot more than just Cheddar cheese and cream teas.
But first, a little about me. My name is Kyle (Centre above) and I live in Bovey Tracey, Devon. My main team is Sunderland but this season I ventured into local non-league football. I started to follow the FA Vase right from the 1st qualifying round. Now I have tickets to the final with Ascot United. But that isn't where the journey began...I attended seventeen different non-league games this season, visiting eight different grounds, so have now built-up friendships and connections with three different clubs. These are the three I’m writing about today. Bovey Tracey, Buckland Athletic and Ascot United.
Bovey Tracey is a beautiful little town at the gateway to Dartmoor. Its team play at Mill Marsh Park and compete in the South West Peninsula League. They finished this season in 5th place.
I started my FA Vase 'Road to Wembley' there, witnessing a 5-0 thrashing of Newquay! I continued following them in the competition seeing them beat Western League, Welton Rovers 1-0, Ivybridge Town on penalties and Brockenhurst of the Wessex Premier League, 4-3. They added an accolade to their history books by achieving the furthest they've ever managed in the FA Vase but then had to bow out away to Hartpury University with a 7-0 defeat in the 3rd round.
My standout players for Bovey Tracey this season are Lewis Perring and Ollie Aplin. Lewis always gives it his all every game I have seen him play in and Ollie Aplin is a prolific goal scorer. But how did the season go for Bovey Tracey from the perspective of the club itself? I asked the club’s manager, Will Anthony…
How has the season gone for Bovey Tracey?
“The season’s objective was to finish in the top 5 at the start of the season, to be promoted… we achieved that aim but unfortunately the goal posts were moved, and we ended up with nothing to play for in the remaining couple of months. In all, we must be happy with what we achieved, a good run in the FA Vase getting through 5 rounds in total, quarter final of the local league cup and a top 5 finish.
“We were a totally new squad, put together this season with lots of new faces and from where we were when I came back in halfway through last season and the club being in 17th place… I’d say it’s been a great improvement. We have played some good football at times and have given debuts in men’s football at this level to six under 18s this season. Hopefully this is something we can improve on and build on for next season and beyond”
Next, I’m following Buckland Athletic, situated on the outskirts of Newton Abbot. They play their games at Homers Heath and compete in the Western League, finishing this season in 5th place. I watched my first Buckland game in a friendly with Torquay United where there were over a thousand in attendance! The way the day out was planned from the club's perspective was fantastic, delaying kick off so everyone was able to get in, added an extra food and beverage area to ensure everyone was catered for and all in all a brilliant set up. Since then, I’ve attended a few of their Western League games, including one away game at Torpoint Athletic. I even got a flag made displaying the Buckland Athletic badge (as shown above). The club are so welcoming. I really recommend a visit!
I continued my FA Vase journey watching Buckland overcome Laverstock & Ford in the 3rd round, before Ascot Utd galloped past Buckland Athletic with a 3-1 victory at Homers Heath in the subsequent round.
My standout players for Buckland this season have been Frazer Clark and Rob Farkins. Frazer Clark is a fantastic defender who plays at right back with over 100 appearances for the club, he gives it his all every game and shows his experience on the pitch. Rob Farkins is the captain, He's very vocal which sometimes gets him in trouble (sin bin regular) but holds down a strong fort at Centre back, his experience from playing for Truro and Plymouth Parkway shows through. To find out how this season has worked out from someone that truly knows his stuff, I asked co-chairman of Buckland Athletic, Nigel Holmes – one of the nicest and most welcoming guys I've met.
How has the season gone for Buckland Athletic?
“Dan Hart, the new manager, came in at the beginning of the season. His enthusiasm for the club has been so infectious, it has rubbed off on so many people. His 'Season One' plan was to get the team into the top 6 and he has achieved exactly that with a 5th place finish. He has brought a great structure into the men’s senior team at the club. We’ve been very competitive in the league and FA Vase run. We have now made Homers Heath a bit of a tough place for opposing teams to come to but importantly we have started picking up three points on the road, whereas at one stage it always seemed to be our achilles. So, from the club’s point of view, we are really pleased with what Dan has achieved this season.
“Plans for going forward into the next season have commenced with Dan speaking to the current squad and we are hoping to keep the majority and even add some more. The next season looks very positive, and we hope our supporter base and match day footfall continues to rise. “
How has the failed league restructuring affected the club’s potential plans?
“If I’m honest, as a club we are sat in the perfect position by being in between Bristol and Cornwall so we are not having to travel as much. The club can really see logic behind making it a South West and then a Bristol area league, but as I said the travelling for us wouldn’t be any different. We find it easy getting up and down the M5 but also just as easy getting down to Cornwall. I understand what Bristol clubs have been saying with regards to travelling to Mousehole but they have now been promoted. As a club, our plans haven’t changed. We just look forward to playing quality opposition and good games of football and we await to see what the Toolstation Western League goes forward. The one thing they have announced is obviously the team that finish top will be promoted, but then the next four teams will now go into a play-off which we as a club think is absolutely brilliant because it means the top five clubs are all in for a shot of promotion. There is also going to be some financial help to teams for travelling which is a good idea. When the restructuring failed that was on the questionnaire of how they can help the clubs financially, so this will be really good.”
Lastly, I’m moving on to Ascot Utd. Ascot is known mainly for horseracing, but he football team has a ground right next to Ascot racecourse, so calling it the racecourse ground is no coincidence. They currently play in the Combined Counties Premier Division North (bit longwinded, I know) finishing 1st with a record 102 points. So, from next season they will play in the Isthmian League Central. Although I’ve not yet visited their ground, I have been to four different Ascot games. My ticket for the FA Vase final will make it five.
I first watched them play against Buckland, then followed their journey through the FA Vase. First, I saw them beat Bridgwater Utd 1-0, next further wins at West Didsbury & Chorlton on penalties and finally at Corsham Town, a win also on penalties. Along the way I met some brilliant fans and built some great relationships, mainly with Neil Richards, also a Sunderland supporter.
My standout player for Ascot Utd is Chris Ellis, the reason for this is he has a Rory Delap like throw in which flies straight into the box which is a delight to watch. He is strong and easily can muscle others off the ball. He has over 100 appearances for the club, and I can't wait to see his throw ins in action at the stage, Wembley Stadium.
I asked Ascot Utd’s Director of football, Neil Richards, (pictured far left below) for his views of the season for Ascot United and what getting to Wembley means to him and the club. They kindly provided me with a ticket so I can enjoy this event.
How has the season gone for Ascot United?
“We couldn’t have wished for a better season. Our priority was promotion and we achieved that with a record points haul, and it’s an amazing achievement we have shared with the players, supporters, management and all of the staff at the club.
“Reaching the FA Vase final has also been an incredible experience and could only have happened with the team spirit, commitment and support that you only see in non-league football.
“As professional football becomes more expensive and less about the fans’ experience, I feel that progressive non-league clubs such as Ascot United are taking advantage and building strong links with the local community and we are seeing crowds growing week on week.
“My message would be - “Come and join the non-league party starting at Wembley on the 21st May - Up the Yellas !!!” Neil Richards, Director of Football.
As for me, I have truly enjoyed my first season watching non-league football. Yes, watching the big clubs like Man City or PSG with names like Haaland and Messi may be more appealing, but most people have to watch them on TV. Whereas you can't beat a cheap day out, supporting your local club and joining in the atmosphere of the real-life event. You watch players that give it their all for the love of the game – not for the money. Why not take a look at my journey around the FA Vase this season? Check out my channel and see what non-league has to offer.
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