Vase weekend thins the field as Grace Dieu changes manager

It was a tough weekend in the FA Vase for several Midland Football League sides. Coalville Town went out 4-3 at Anstey Town, a game their own account described as a late surge that was not enough, with a nervy finish seeing the hosts survive after leading 4-1. Birmingham O J M also bowed out, beaten 4-1 on penalties at Lye Town after Dan O'Sullivan's long-range strike had levelled the tie, while Coventry Copsewood lost at Bridgnorth despite goals from Leland and Burke in an improved second half. Kirby Muxloe went the distance and further, drawing 1-1 at Louth Town before winning 7-6 on penalties, Lucca Watson-Quilter converting from the spot in normal time before scoring again in the shootout alongside Aaron Kamara, Junior Munemo, Max Glover, Patrick Musengwa, Oliver White and Tyler Love. AFC North Kilworth won 2-1, Gally scoring twice to send the club into the next round for what they called a first in their history, and Birstall United needed penalties of their own, Aidan's 50th-minute equaliser forcing a shootout in which Whymark, Curtlin and Pallett scored to send them through for the first time in four years.

Away from the Vase, FCV Grace Dieu confirmed a change of direction in the dugout. Shane Clarke resigned after what the club called a hugely successful period, having overseen back-to-back promotions from the Nottinghamshire Senior League into the United Counties League and lifted the NSL Cup against Aslockton & Orston, finishing with 86 wins from 128 games. Assistant George Zuerner and goalkeeper coach James Hilton departed alongside him. Jack Hobbs, a former professional footballer and UEFA A Licence coach who had already worked within the first-team set-up, has been appointed as his successor, with the club describing his role as providing continuity while it continues its pathway for players from the FCV International Football Academy.

Heather St. John's produced the result of the week in the league proper, holding leaders Gornal Athletic to a goalless draw despite four unavailable players and a returning centre-back. The club noted it was the first side this season to take points off Gornal and the first to stop them scoring, with Kyle Jardine denied by a goal-line save in a second half described as a battle from start to finish.

Northfield Town swept past G.N.G Oadby Town 6-1, Graham scoring a hat-trick alongside goals from Westwood, Shaw and Mipro, and Stapenhill drew 1-1 at Anstey Town in the league, Brad Wright heading home a stoppage-time equaliser after Tobias Mott's cross.