WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook begin their pursuit of a tie at Wembley Stadium as they host Chipping Sodbury on Sunday, September 1 in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase Trophy.
The Sumas begin their FA Vase cup campaign for the 2019/20 season with a home fixture at Lowther Road, kicking off at 2pm.
“This will be a very emotional afternoon for all who have been involved with Wokingham Town FC and Emmbrook Sports FC pre-2004,” said Wokingham & Emmbrook President Mark Ashwell.
“It is especially poignant to the founders, sponsors, officials, players and supporters, past and present. We are expecting some special guests to attend on Sunday, including our former Chairman.
“It is the first time in 20 years that the town’s team will be playing in an FA competition back in Wokingham.
“And it will also be the first time ever that Lowther Road has played host to this level of Football Association competition.
“All associated with the club over our many years are cordially invited to be part of this amazing achievement. Together we will welcome Chipping Sodbury Town FC from the step above to what will be a very significant match in our ongoing history.”
Wokingham have endured a mixed bag of results at the start of their Hellenic League Division One East season. They began the season with a 2-0 triumph over AFC Aldermaston, before suffering their first taste of defeat with a 2-1 loss against Chalvey Sports.
But the Sumas returned to form at the weekend with an emphatic 5-1 against Milton United to take them up to seventh in the table having only played three league fixtures in their first season back at Lowther Road having made their long-awaited return to their home ground.
Their opponents Chipping Sodbury, based in South Gloucestershire, play their football in the Western League Premier Division. They finished 10th out of 20 sides in the Western Premier Division in the 2018/19 season.
Chipping have endured a difficult start to the 2019/20 season, currently sitting in 18th place in the table having lost four out of their five league fixtures so far. They have only recorded one league win, leaving them just above the relegation zone after a tricky start to the campaign.
The Sumas previously reached the first round of the FA Cup in 1982/83 where they held Cardiff City to a replay. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy in 1987/88.
If the Sumas are successful in their first-round qualifying tie, they will face either Thornbury Town or Cheltenham Saracens in the second qualifying round.
The final of the FA Vase, which will be contested at Wembley Stadium, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 17.
