LEAGUE IS ON THE BACK-BURNER WITH FA VASE ACTION TODAY

THE 100pc League winning streak is over, but the Brickies are back in action today (12th) with a place in the first round of the FA Vase at stake. As ever, with an away match against opposition from a higher division - in this case Baffins Milton Rovers from the Wessex Prem - the pressure is more on the "senior" side. On paper it’s a home win - but even with a team depleted by injuries, New Milton will be looking to cause an upset - and also collect the funds which go with a round-win in the FA competitions. In this round, the second qualifying, it’s worth £725 to the winning club. Portsmouth-based Baffins are having a modest season in the league, but have been doing well in cup competitions, notably in the Vase, where they won 5-3 on penalties away to neighbours Fareham after a 0-0 draw. They’ve also had a decent run in the FA Cup, winning 3-1 at Sherborne then 1-0 at Hartley Wintney before falling 4-1 at home to Slimbridge. In the league they have had mixed fortunes with yo-yo form seeing them lose 3-2 at Downton, then win 2-1 away to Hythe & Dibden before a 2-0 loss at Fleetlands, a goal-less draw away to Cowes Sports and, last time out, a 2-1 win at Hamble. The Cowes result may have unfortunate significance - it came the same week that the Brickies were on the wrong end of a 5-1 tanking there in the Hants Senior Cup. Whatever the outcome, the Brickies will come back to League action with two home games next week, against Ringwood on Wednesday and Sandhurst on Saturday.