Bideford to begin FA Vase adventure

ENJOYING an extended run in the FA Carlsberg Vase has become a regular adventure for Bideford.

Having reached the quarter-finals twice in the last three seasons and the semi-finals in 2004, the Robins have a fine pedigree in the competition.

Manager Sean Joyce will demand a top performance in Saturday's "massive" second-round tie against Welton Rovers. And he knows all about the weight of expectation brought by previous success.

"People take it for granted — but it is a national competition," he said.

"We don't take anything for granted.

"You look at the history of some of the clubs in the Western League and they have never got past the third round.

"We seem to fall short in the last eight or the last four but you're up against massive clubs.

"Look at the quality Lowestoft had last season and they didn't make the final.

"We have overachieved getting as far as we have other years."

Despite their 4-0 defeat at Lowestoft in February, the run provided valuable experience for the team's younger players.

And there have been great memories of trips to unfamiliar outposts across the country.

"That's the beauty of the Vase, you get to play different teams from different areas and you've got to do your research on them," added Joyce.

"You get the map out and you have a look on the internet because you've probably never heard of them."

For now though the competition is at the regional stage and Bideford must deal with a more familiar foe.

Toolstation League rivals Welton Rovers have risen dramatically up the table after seven wins in their last 10 games.

"They are third in the league and they are flying at the moment," said Joyce.

"Apart from Ilfracombe Town, it's probably the hardest game we could have had from teams in our league. But the beauty of it is we have got a home draw.

"They will be like us, they will be quite open and have a go so it should be a good game."

Joyce praised the fans for backing the team in Saturday's win against Bristol Manor Farm and hopes they will be out in force again.

He added: "It was a cold, wet day, there was 160 there and they got behind us.

"The more we win the more we'll get them back watching us."

Free from injuries and suspensions, the manager has a full-strength squad to choose from and he believes Bideford are stronger this season.

Matt Andrew will get his first taste of FA Vase football with the club after he was cup-tied during last season's run.