Abbey boss enjoying their Buildbase FA Vase adventure as they prepare for third round

It has already been an historic season for Abbey Rangers, and manager Mike Woolgar is determined for it to not come to a halt anytime soon.

Enjoying their debut season in the Combined Counties Premier Division, the Step Five outfit are embarking on new adventures all the time with this their first time making The Buildbase FA Vase third round.

And with six goals already to their name in just two games in the competition, Woolgar sees little reason why that impressive run can’t keep on going.

The man in charge also believes his team have room to improve, despite getting the better of 2013 FA Vase finalists Tunbridge Wells 3-0 in the first round.

But standing in their way of a place in the last 32 is Eastbourne Town – a Southern Combination Football League Premier Division side who can already boast a 9-0 victory in this season’s competition against Tooting & Mitcham Wanderers.

It’s a form guide that should make for a cracking cup tie, with Rangers’ Woolgar admitting it’s one his team have had their eye on for some time.

“A lot of the boys have not played in this division or even The FA Vase before so it’s been a big learning experience for everyone, and one we’ve really enjoyed as the season has gone one,” he said.

“The guys have been chatting about this for a while, all the way through the reserves everyone is trying to stake their claim – they know what it means to play in games like this.

“It’s a good draw for us too, a really winnable game and they’ll bring a lot of fans. They’re the same step as us in the pyramid and have a similar run of form so it should be a cracker.

“Games like this do so much for your community, we’re the exact description of a grassroots club with 32 teams as part of Rangers, and we want to do everyone proud on Saturday.”

Buildbase FA Vase history
This is Abbey Rangers’ first time in the third round, with the club celebrating their 40th year of existence. They were knocked out by Newport IOW in last season’s second round.
With 135 years of history behind them, Eastbourne Town can celebrate a richer FA Vase heritage, reaching the fifth round in 1975-76 – the same year they almost amalgamated with local and league rivals Eastbourne United.

Did you know?
As if the history of Abbey Rangers’ season wasn’t enough, they also celebrated this as their first season in The Emirates FA Cup – losing out to Thame United in the extra preliminary round way back in August.

One to watch
While it’s hard for Woolgar to single out one player, he is adamant that it’s in the defence where this game is going to hinge. After losing all but one of their August games – a run which saw them concede seven to Epsom and Ewell – the division’s new boys have been able to adapt, unbeaten in their last four in all competitions.

It’s a familiarity which Woolgar, who masterminded last season’s promotion success, knows will be key as The FA Vase and season as a whole develops.

“When you’ve got so many guys fighting for just a handful of spots, the most important thing really is how well they gel as a unit,” he continued.

“The whole back five, right the way through to the goalkeeper, are now quite settled, players are coming back from injury and unavailability and we’re getting better and better.

“Everything starts from the back, that feeds its way through to the midfield and breeds confidence right the way to the strikers.”

The prize
A place in the last 32 awaits for the victor of the tie, while the winning club gets a cheque for £975 and a spot one step closer to Wembley.