The Onion Bag: FA Vase Semi Final

1st Leg
Tunbridge Wells 2 Shildon 0

Gate: £6
Atten: 1754
(Record Crowd)

View Video of Tunbridge Wells' 2nd Goal (penalty)

This was not my original choice this morning having visited only six weeks previous in the 4th Round. But after all this is the FA Vase , my favourite competition of them all. Much of the morning was spent faffing about trying to find a game on.I made a quick call and was assured it was on, only to find upon arrival a couple of hours later that the game was in doubt. In fact it was onlt declared officially on at 14.06pm, much to the relief of the Shildon supporters after a 300 mile journey.
This was the biggest game in the history of Tunbridge Wells FC and they were rewarded with a bumper and record crowd of 1754. The game was tense and the conditions were poor, very muddy which definately had an effect on the game. It was tough going for both sides and fair play they both put in a decent performance.

But in the second half Tunbridge were the better team and defended superbly. They limited the powerful Shildon attack to few chances. But Wells grabbed the important first goal, and a flare was thrown on to the pitch, it was like being Milan or a Galatasary v Fenebache Turkish derby ! and minutes later a penalty to make it 2-0.

In every way this was Tunbridge Wells' biggest day in their history so far and with this attitude,determination and sheer guts, like they showed today, an even bigger one possibly awaits them in North West London very soon !.

I did not take many photos today, the weather was so poor etc just didnt feel like it ! (sorry).

Below are a few photos as the day unfolded.