FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round

Abingdon Town 0-3 Thornbury Town

Thornbury began this season's Road to Wembley at Abingdon Town, who were playing in the Isthmian League as recently as the late 90s but now play at an equivalent level to the visitors.

If they don’t make it to the final at least the travelling support will have sat on Wembley seats – the main stand having those from the old stadium.

A couple returning from injury saw Kurtis Parkin back between the sticks and Nathan Sage replace Pete Fowler in the middle of the back three.

After a slow, cagey start the game came to life in the sixth minute when a deep cross from Dan Parry eventually found Harry Brock who slotted home with the home side looking for a linesman flag

Although Abingdon did have a few long range efforts comfortably dealt with by Parkin it was the visitors who were causing problems with some neat attacking football and after a Brock effort was pushed out for a corner the resulting kick saw Franklin cross for Brandon Benjamin to double the lead on the half hour mark.

Another in-swinging corner five minutes later saw Franklin find Brock this time and at three-nil at the break it was going to be a long way back for Abingdon.

James DeRosa replaced Mark Viner at the break and understandably, with the heat and scoreline, Thornbury could afford to slow the game down. Abingdon had more possession in the second half and showed they could play a bit but the damage had been done in the first half.

Rhys Hodgson replaced Tom Webb and was taken out in WWF fashion on the edge of the D only for Lancastle to hit the wall.

Wormwell was unlucky soon after when his effort was deflected onto the post but Thornbury were in the hat.

With the draw always throwing up coincidences, the next round sees Abingdon United visit the Mundy’s.

Thornbury’s next game is away to Malmesbury Victoria in the league on Tuesday with the next home match on Saturday vs Shortwood United in the league cup.