The Fa Vase First Round Draw has done one thing very clearly for Gloucestershire: it has given Cheltenham Saracens the prize everyone wants, and left the rest with the usual headache of an away day. Saracens will host Cinderford Town, while Tuffley Rovers, Longlevens, Cirencester Town and Brimscombe & Thrupp all have to hit the road.
That matters more than it might sound. In this competition, home advantage is not a luxury, it is the difference between a tie that feels winnable and one that starts to look awkward. Cheltenham Saracens will at least get the comfort of Ben’s Takeaway Stadium, and they have earned it the hard way after Tommy Bond scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Stonehouse Town to send them into the First Round Proper.
Five clubs, one draw, and a split verdict
For Saracens, this is a notable moment because they have reached the First Round for the first time since the 2023/24 season. For Cinderford Town, it is another step in a competition they know better than most. Last season they received a bye following their run in the competition, so there is no shortage of recent Vase context on either side of this tie.
The rest of the Gloucestershire picture is less comfortable. Tuffley Rovers have already announced themselves in style by beating Welton Rovers 5-1, a result described as their biggest margin of victory in the Vase since the 2016/17 season. That is exactly the sort of scoreline that gives a club momentum, but it still comes with an away draw attached.
Longlevens are also on the road after their 1-0 win over Radstock Town, while Cirencester Town had to work harder in a 2-1 victory over Corsham Town. Cirencester have now reached the First Round for the second season running, which is a decent sign of consistency even if it does not spare them the trip.
Brimscombe & Thrupp complete the away contingent after taking Yateley United to penalties. That is the cruel edge of the draw: progress is progress, but only one Gloucestershire club gets to enjoy the kindest possible outcome.
The next step is already set
The First Round ties are scheduled for Saturday 10 October, with the Second Round set for Saturday 31 October. So the route is clear now. The clubs have the draw, the dates, and the stakes. Cheltenham Saracens got the home tie; everyone else got a journey.
In a competition like this, that can be the whole story.
