FA Vase exits and cup draws shape SCEFL's week
FA Vase ties took precedence across the Southern Counties East League this week, bringing mixed fortunes for the division's sides. Tooting Bec were among those still standing, having progressed past Bexhill and then Bearsted en route to a First Round Proper draw away to AFC Greenwich Borough, a side they said they knew well from last season. Their form has carried into league business too, with a 4-0 win over Halls following a Man of the Match display from Ozion Bowen after their earlier vase win, in which Dom Oakes had earned the award.
Stansfeld also survived a scare, needing penalties to see off opposition after a 2-2 draw, winning 4-3 from the spot to book a First Round Proper tie away to Tunbridge Wells on 10 October. Rochester United extended their own run too, beating Banstead Athletic 3-2 in front of 107 spectators, with goals from Loynes, Dance and Freeman, Dance singled out for a brilliant second half and Swift for a late save to preserve the lead. That victory sends them to Eastbourne United in the first round proper on 10 October. Minster's debut Vase run ended against Kennington, who scored twice in each half, leaving the club looking ahead to hosting Rochester United in the league.
Sporting Club Thamesmead also bowed out, beaten 0-3 by Tooting & Mitcham United under the lights at the Masher Brothers Stadium, a tough night, as the club put it, against higher-level opposition. Lewisham Borough Community also exited, undone by a penalty and a well-finished second ball against Westside, and now prepare for a Welling Town fixture rescheduled due to the vase. Away from the cup, Croydon welcomed 271 supporters, their best attendance of the season at Croydon Sports Arena, for a meeting with unbeaten Hythe Town, with Tom Barton and Ramon Elliot both picking up Player of the Match awards across recent weeks.
