Western League sides dominate FA Vase first round, with five through

Western League Premier Division clubs turned their attention to the FA Vase first round proper on Saturday 10 October.

Portishead Town were the most emphatic. They beat Street 4-0 at Bristol Road, a result Street described as "another tough test" before turning their attention to Tuesday night at The Tannery. St Blazey were equally comfortable on a first-ever trip to Longwell Green, winning 3-0 through Harry Blows, Kai Burrell and Olly Redd. Bovey Tracey saw off Brimscombe & Thrupp 2-1 at the Western Counties Roofing Ground to book their spot in the draw.

The tie between two league sides ended with Shepton Mallet beating Brislington 2-1 at The Playing Fields, where the attendance was 224. Brislington confirmed that their Vase journey was over, having worn their new gold and black 70th anniversary away kit for the first time. The club says the colours return for its 70th anniversary season, and the kit is on pre-order. Buckland Athletic beat Ham Rec 2-0 at Homers Heath in front of 134, and Tavistock Association were due to host Elburton Villa in the same round.

The other exits were heavier. Newquay lost 4-1 at home, their Vase campaign ending in a game they called a disappointing afternoon at Mount Wise. Bridgwater United were due at Romsey Town, with a supporters' coach booked, and Brixham were hosting Carterton and won 2-0.

Outside of the Vase, there were notable developments in the league programme. Brislington had a midweek fixture with Portishead Town postponed because of a floodlight problem at the Lane. Sidmouth Town lost their unbeaten run, going down 2-1 to Wells City. At Step 5, Liskeard Athletic beat Wellington 4-0, and the club said the three points and clean sheet were much needed.

St Blazey had earlier beaten Brixham 2-0 in a midweek league game, Tallan Mitchell and Harry Blows scoring, to maintain their unbeaten league start. In the previous league round, Kai Burrell took a hat-trick and the club noted he has 12 goals in 15 games in all competitions and is the league's third top scorer.

On the injury front, Shepton Mallet said a player known as Monty is suspected of an ACL tear after being forced off on crutches against Saltash, with further scans due.