Yate Town F.C. vs Hampton & Richmond F.C.
The Beavers start their FA Trophy campaign with an away fixture against Yate Town, nicknamed THE BLUEBELLS, who play in the Southern Football League, Division One South, step 4 of the National League System. Since 1984, they have played at Lodge Road, Yate, in South Gloucestershire. Established in 1906, they boast a rich history in grassroots and semi-professional football.
They achieved significant success in the 1989–90 season by winning the Hellenic League, which led to their promotion to the Western League. The club reached new heights in 2003 when they earned promotion to the Southern Football League. In 2021, they reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time in the club's history. Losing to Yeovil Town of the National League.
Last Round
Yate defeated Hungerford Town 3-2 in an exciting FA Trophy First Round match back in October at Bulpit Lane. Ollie Dewsbury scored twice for Yate, first in the second minute and then again to equalise in the 88th minute, before Ross Stearn scored the winner in dramatic style in the 90th minute.
Beavers Current Form
After losing 3 on the trot, the Beavers bounced back in a great way by winning their last 3 league games in impressive style. First, beating Eastbourne 3-1 at home on a Tuesday night, with an outstanding second half performance. Goals from Jack Taylor, Mauro Vilhete, and Jake Gray. Jake scored a terrific third goal that reminds you of a certain Brazil goal scored by Carlos Alberto in 1970. They then beat Chippenham Town 2-0 away from home. Gianni Crichlow scored the first with his first of the season, followed by a canon ball of a penalty from striker Alex Wall. On Saturday, Hampton & Richmond completed the hat-trick of wins with an emphatic 4–0 victory away at Hemel Hempstead. The goals came from Alfie Williams, Mauro Vilhete, and a brace from leading scorer James Roberts. This result moved the team up to 11th position in the league and six points off the playoff places.
The Tie
Yate Town will be tough opposition for the Beavers, as they currently sit top of their division, having only lost once this season in the league. In fact, the last time they lost a competitive fixture at home was on the 23rd of March earlier this year against Bishop's Cleeve F.C. Last season, Hampton & Richmond made it all the way to the 5th round of the competition after winning back-to-back rounds on penalties against National League opposition. First against Southend and then Hartlepool. They were eventually knocked out in the 5th round of the competition, losing to Robbie Savages Macclesfield Town 2-0 at home.
Alan Julian will be hoping that a victory on Saturday can kickstart a run that can hopefully outdo their performance in the competition last season.
Written by Mustafa Amin