FA Vase
Westella & Willerby manager Leon Sewell
This Saturday, 21st October 2017, will be a date that goes into the history books for local side Westella & Willerby AFC.
A first round tie in the prestigious FA Vase Cup Competition will see Westella & Willerby AFC welcome the Northern side to Haworth Park, Hull as they make their first ever appearance this far in the competition.
The visitors on the other hand have their club name inscribed 4 times on the FA Vase trophy as winners of the competition.
‘The Bay’ as they like to be known by last won the competition back in 2010/2011 season.
Both sides have had their ups and down of recent time more so Westella who last season rejected their reprieve in the NCEL Division One are now adapting to life at Step 7 in the Humber Premier League.
The tie is a fantastic achievement not only for the club but also as a representative team of the Humber Premier League who have never had a team enter the FA Vase competition let alone reach the first round proper.
Westella who were originally established back in 1920 have operated on a shoe string budget for many a year whilst playing away from home to ensure the club can offer tue highest level of football possible to its juniors progressing through the Robert Brown Soccer Academy, in to the Junior section and through to the Senior section.
Westella & Willerby chairman Jez Alcock was highly delighted with the tie saying: “The lads have stood by the club and Leon through thick and thin. We run a tight ship yet aim to operate as professionally as we possibly can and be self funding with off the field events.
“For me being involved with the club for many years it was great to beat Ollerton Town the way we did and now set us up against previous winners of the competition is something I’m proud of and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Haworth Park on the day.
The day will also mark the 5th anniversary of manager Leon Sewell in post as first team manager, ultimately leading the club to playing step 6 Football and to now lead his team out in the fixture is a fantastic achievement.
Speaking of the cup tie itself manager Sewell said: “I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic day for both teams on and off the field and one that given the result will be remembered for many years, the date will always be remembered by myself as it’s my 5th full year in charge at the club.
“We have previously entered the FA Vase, loosing to Knaresborough Town in extra time first time, defeating Brigg Town and narrowly loosing to Selby Town the second time we entered and last season we come up against a very impressive Irlam FC.
“Everyone loves a cup competition and this season we have quite convincingly beaten two sides plying their football leagues above us.
“I’m probably one of the youngest managers in the competition at 32 years old and as a club we are one of the lowest ranked clubs in the competition, although we are ranked above Whitley Bay, alphabetically.
We are the underdogs, we train once a week, the lads don’t get a single penny for playing and we all know what can and has happened in previous cup competitions, let’s watch this space and see what happens come 5-00pm Saturday evening.
“It’d be fantastic for the lads to play in front of a large crowd so please do come and show your support for us or even as a neutral spectator and help us celebrate this great achievement for a small grassroots football club.”