More history was made for Sporting Club Inkberrow on Saturday when the Pitching In Southern League Division One South club played its first-ever game in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
Their first round qualifying encounter with St. Neots Town ended in a goalless draw before they prospered in the subsequent penalty shoot-out, helped by a hat-trick of saves from goalkeeper, Gabriel Bajrami.
Following Monday lunchtime’s draw for the second round qualifying, the Worcestershire village club will host Stafford Rangers, winners of the competition in 1972 and 1979 and runners-up in 1976.
“It’s a great draw,” beamed defender, Syrus Warren-Paul, who played his part in Saturday’s success. “We’re at home against opponents who are still a big name in non-League football, so it will be a tie that really captures the imagination.
“I was really proud to be part of a bit of history being made at the weekend and there’s no better feeling than helping the club progress and create more special moments.
“We had to battle hard against St. Neots; we did well against what were well-organised opponents and I was pleased with my own contribution.
“Going into the penalty shoot-out, Man of the Match Gabs [Gabriel Bajrami} showed the level he’s at with penalties and I couldn’t be happier for him and the rest of my team-mates that we’re in the next round.
“It’s been a tough start to the season generally where we’ve been playing well but just not getting the results to go along with our performances.
“This is a harsh level and our mistakes have been capitalised upon, so we’re working hard to iron this out and, as we saw on Saturday, when everyone does their job and works hard for each other, we can achieve things.
“We went into this level with our eyes wide open, but we’re confident in our own ability to compete and we’ve shown in parts what we can do. Hopefully we can start doing it on a more regular basis and the results will start coming in.
“My targets will be the same as the club’s aims in that I hope to have a good, consistent season and push as high as we can.
“I’ve come into a team that know how to get promotion, so there’s no reason why we can’t aim for it again but there’s no pressure on us and we will just play our football and see where we are at come the end of the season.
“We’re enjoying the adventure.”
The remainder of the second round qualifying draw sees Malvern Town head to Lincoln United, whilst Biggleswade FC have home advantage for the visit of Hitchin Town. Also at home will be Welwyn Garden City as they entertain Tilbury.
Enfield and AFC Dunstable go head-to-head as Leighton Town make the trip to Walthamstow. There’s a home tie for Hadley against Ascot United, whilst Division One South rivals, Swindon Supermarine and Bideford AFC, plus Hartpury and Portishead Town, and Shaftesbury and Falmouth Town, will battle it out.
There’s a home tie for Thame United against Winchester City as Bishops Cleeve hit the road for Fareham Town and Tavistock AFC travel to AFC Portchester.
Ties are to be played on the weekend of Saturday, September 20th 2025.
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