East Cowes Vics have been drawn away from home against Hellenic League leaders Hartpury University in the 2nd Round of the FA Vase on Saturday 9th November.
Hartpury University have had a rapid rise up the non-league pyramid. The club – based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire – were only formed 4 years ago, since when they have won the Herefordshire County League (2021/22) and Hellenic Division 1 (2023-24). They currently occupy top spot in the Hellenic Premier.
The University side have had a formidable record in the FA Vase, reaching the 4th round in their 2 previous seasons. By contrast, Vics have never gone beyond the 2nd round of the competition.
Despite what appears to be a difficult task on paper, Vics manager Alex Smith remains upbeat, telling Island Echo:
“I’m delighted with the draw to be honest. We’re going to a similar part of the country, against a similar level of opposition as the last round, and we now know what it takes.
“Of course, it’s an incredibly tough game, but tough games present the opportunity to get massive results, and that’s what this is all about.
“The support was outstanding at Fairford, and I’m sure we’ll get another coach load of supporters to cheer us over the line. The support at the club has been wonderful this season, and we’ll do our best to continue repaying them with our performances.”
The East Cowes club will be running a coach for supporters on the day of the game (cost £30).
In other cup fixtures, Vics have been drawn away to Dorset-based Wessex Division 1 side Verwood Town in the 3rd round of the Velocity Wessex League Cup, the game to be played on Tuesday, 19th November.
Cowes Sports have been handed home advantage in the Servio Hampshire Senior Cup, in which they face fellow Wessex Premier side Stoneham at the Zilch Waste Stadium in the 3rd round of the competition on Tuesday, 12th November.
