The Isuzu FA Trophy

Diaper optimistic ahead of Hampshire derby in Trophy

Thursday 27 Nov 2014
Dave Diaper with The FA Vase after victory at Wembley

Last season's FA Vase winners Sholing continue their latest assault on a place at Wembley, but this time it's in The FA Trophy. 

As well as beating West Auckland Town under the arch in May, the Hampshire outfit clinched a 'double' when they won the Wessex League Premier Division title. 

With it came promotion back to the Southern League and a chance to compete in The Trophy once again. 

Sholing v Farnborough

The FA Trophy
Third Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 29 November
Silverlake Arena, Southampton
Winning club receives £4,000 from The FA Prize Fund

Their Vase form has followed them into the new season, despite a much-changed side. Dave Diaper's men have beaten Bashley, Tiverton Town and Dereham Town, and now face a familiar foe in Third Round Qualifying on Saturday. 

Hampshire rivals Farnborough Town arrive at the Silverlake Arena on Saturday and the Sholing boss recalls a couple of memorable encounters against the Conference South club. 

"Farnborough are no strangers to the Silverlake and came here in February and beat us 4-2 in the Russell Cotes Cup quarter-final," Diaper said. 

"There are only five Sholing players on show this weekend that featured that night. With the other players either moving on to Gosport or retiring at the top with our win at Wembley." 

He continued: "One of the most memorable matches between the clubs was back in 2011 when we travelled to Farnborough and beat them 3-1 in the Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final. 

"We caught them cold on the night and thoroughly deserved the win." 

However, Diaper has injury concerns and says half a dozen of his squad will be missing from this weekend's game. 

And after their performance in the last round against Dereham Town, he believes his team are capable of causing an upset. 

Sholing celebrate

Sholing celebrate after last year's Vase Semi-Final win

"We come into the game in good form with four wins from the last five games," Diaper told the Sholing FC website

"But it will be a real test for us against a side that are two levels above us. 

"I have never known a season that we have suffered more injuries than this one. We currently have six first team players who are missing from the squad. 

"This obviously weakens us but the players have given their all in every game. No more so than the two trips to Dereham Town in the previous round where we showed great character and desire to stay in this competition." 

He added: "There has been cup upsets before and I am sure Spencer [Day, Farnborough boss] will be telling his players not to underestimate us. 

"If they play to their best and we play to our best, they will win the game. But nothing is ever as easy as that, is it?" 

Sholing v Farnborough is one of 39 ties in this weekend's FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying. Click here for the full fixture list to find games in your area.

By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor