the waders

FA Cup News

17th August. Waders exited the FA Cup at the first hurdle today away at Essex Senior League Romford FC. 2-0 down at half time and a worse performance in the second half saw a final score of 3-0 to the Avelely based club and a prelim round tie away at Ryman League Leyton for them.

14th August. An injury torn Waders travel to the Thames reaches on Sunday to meet Essex Senior League side Romford FC in the Extra Preliminary Round of The FA Cup. The tie will take place at the ground of Aveley FC (2 miles from Thurrock) where Romford are groundsharing this season.

Romford have an interesting history and in 1949 reached the final of the old Amateur Cup (the first to be played at Wembley Stadium), losing out 1-0 to Bromley. There have been various homes for the club over the years and they are currently seeking a more permanant residence in the London Borough of Havering. Romford's league season kicked off last weekend and saw them draw away 1-1 at Bowers Pitsea.

Waders manager Chris Nunn goes into this match still awash with injury problems. Nick Mcfarlane (fractured cheekbone), Paul Reynolds (knee), Club Captain Kevin Randall (knee) and summer signing from Histon Mark Webster (ankle) are all missing from defence. Fitness tests on Saturday will decide on the midfield and striking line up's.

News - 1st July 2008. The draw for the early FA Cup Rounds have been made today. For the second year running Biggleswade Town face an Essex Senior League side, this time being drawn away to Romford.

The 'Blue and Golds' finished 8th last season in their league but will be one of the favourites for promotion next season and for the first time in many years have a ground capable of allowing the team to do that. A groundshare deal with Aveley was agreed at the end of last season.

BTFC's Jon Smith commented "I know a bit about Romford. Their Chairman Steve Gardener is a dedicated man to the Romford cause and it is certainly not an easy draw for The Waders, but I'm sure we'll go fully prepared!" Update -- this match now to be played on Sunday 17th August with a 1pm kick off.

If Romford are overcome then in The Preliminary Round a trip to Ryman Division 1 North Club Leyton is the reward.

Waders Jon Smith added "I know the club well. Their Chairman Costas really pulled club up by its boot straps to provide some decent facilities and despite being relegated last season form the Ryman Premier Division, they have in their new management team and squad (from the now defunct Edgware Town), some excellent talent and experience. A Really tough nut to crack, but what a great opportunity for our team to go and prove something".

The First Qualifying Round would see the winners host British Gas Premier Division Brackley Town.