Ilford FC will finally return to action this weekend as they host a historic FA Vase 2nd Round tie against Colney Heath that could see The Foxes go further in the competition than they ever have before.
It will be the first time either side have played since the nation went into the second national lockdowm, in the fight against Covid 19.
Speaking to The Ilford Recorder, Ilford boss Adam Peek urged local support, asking locals to, “Come down, we’d be grateful for their support. We need the help, we’ve been around since the 1800s and hopefully we can get some people over to get us through this period.”
Cup Runs So Far
Both teams have had to defeat three teams to get to this stage of the cup, having played 2 qualifying round matches before victories in the First Round Proper at the end of October.
Ilford’s 1st Qualifying Round match was a highly entertaining 8-goal thriller against Long Melford which saw the Foxes battle to a 5-3 victory and progression to the next round.
Benfleet Town were the next side to come to Cricklefield in Ilford’s 2nd Qualifying Round, and they put up a much sterner test for Adam Peek’s side, with a cagey affair ending 1-1 after 90 minutes. Teenage goalkeeper Josh Blackburn was the hero in the proceeding shoot-out, saving two penalties as Ilford progressed to the First Round Proper.
Ilford were once again drawn as the home team, this time hosting FC Clacton, and an inspired second-half comeback saw Ilford run out 4-1 winners despite being 1-0 down at half-time. Adam Peek’s words at half-time seemed to fire up his players as they immediately equalised after the half-time break and then had the fitness and ruthlessness to put Clacton to the sword and secure the opportunity to make history this weekend.
Colney Heath meanwhile have also had to face two qualifying rounds and a first round proper tie, beating Wivenhoe Town and Holland on penalties before getting revenge on New Salamis – who had knocked Heath out of the FA Cup back at the start of September – winning 3-1 in the First Round Proper.
‘Cupset’ On The Cards?
The Foxes’ form this season has been inconsistent, and although they have only lost one of their last five games, Colney Heath will surely be favourites having not lost a league game all season.
Colney Heath were also flying high in the league last season before it was curtailed due to the ongoing pandemic, so will certainly fancy their chances against an Ilford team that has struggled at times.
Form is only temporary though so Ilford will be optimistic of a cupset and in a season as stop-start as this, it could never be truer that anything could happen.
Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm
3 Cricklefield Place, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1FY
