Ely hoping for a change of fortunes this season.
Ely City v Cornard United
The FA Vase, sponsored by Carlsberg
First Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 5 September
The Unwin Ground, Ely City FC
Winning clubs receive £800
Click here for fixtures
Ely City are this season hoping to end their FA Vase curse, starting with a win when they host Cornard United in the First Round Qualifying of the competition on Saturday.
Eastern Counties Premier Division side City have never progressed beyond the Third Round of The Vase, but are hopeful that this season a good run is on the cards - along with a possible trip to Wembley in The Final.
City club secretary, Derek Oakey, said: "There is always a certain amount of prestige that comes with The FA Vase because the Finalists get to play at Wembley, and obviously everyone dreams of playing there. We haven't had much luck in this competition in the past but hopefully this year will be different."
Being in a higher division than their opponents this weekend means Ely will be favourites to win the tie, but Oakey admitted: "On paper we should progress to the next round. But I've been involved in football long enough to know you should never make assumptions."
Ely became the lowest ranked club ever to reach the First Round of The FA Cup when they did so in 1956, and Oakey admits that such a high is yet to be matched.
"Recently we've been up and down the leagues without a great deal of success," he said. "A good run in The Vase would give us something to shout about again"
City have struggled so far this season and currently lie 18th in the league, but the start of The FA Vase campaign on Saturday gives them the chance to make a step towards that long-awaited success.
