Both Tadcaster Albion and Shaw Lane Aquaforce are hoping to move closer to Wembley on Saturday
Tadcaster Albion and Shaw Lane Aquaforce will once again go into battle on their road to become the first Northern Counties East League team to win the FA Vase since Brigg Town in 2003.
At least three coaches are making their way from Tadcaster to AFC Mansfield as Paul Marshall’s men to attempt move three games away from Wembley.
Marshall’s men will have to overcome an old adversary to get there. Mansfield boss Rudy Funk was in charge in Scarborough when they pipped Tad to the NCEL Premier Division title in 2013.
Funk also gets a reunion with several ex Scarborough players including David Brown, Paddy Miller and Andy Milne.
It is a tough draw for Tadcaster as Mansfield are on a roll under Funk with nine wins and a draw from their last ten.
Weather-permitting, Shaw Lane Aquaforce have the advantage of a home draw against Flackwell Heath.
Aquaforce have prepared perfectly for the game after the 1-0 win at title rivals Staveley Miners Welfare last night.
Shaw Lane have a lot in common with the High Wycombe-based side. Craig Elliott’s side have only lost twice this season, while Flackwell have been defeated three times – only one of those has been a league fixture.
Flackwell are third in The Hellenic Premier League, but have games in hand on the teams above them.
Because of their wins over West Auckland, Shildon and Walsall Wood, Shaw Lane are now classed as Bet Victor’s second favourites to win the competition.