Why should I watch..?
Because everything will be decided.
A 1-1 draw in the first leg at Wincham Park last weekend leaves the tie poised beautifully for Saturday afternoon.
Chertsey’s home record is formidable; they are unbeaten in both Combined Counties League and FA Vase matches there this season.
However Northwich Victoria have taken the scalps of Newcastle Benfield and Histon on their travels when they weren’t expected to and can’t be discounted.
There was enough encouragement for both managers in an initial meeting for them to believe their side can prevail.
A place in a Wembley final, and a clash with Cray Valley Paper Mills, is a reward on offer for the victors.
READ > Vics 1-1 Chertsey: first leg match report
What they’ve said
"I don’t read anything into us being at home for the second leg; they are nervous occasions wherever you are.
“I just hope, looking at the two teams, that the conditions don't affect the game like they did last week and it can live up to what it can be.”
Dave Anderson, Chertsey Town manager
“There is more pressure on them now because they’ll be expected to win at their place where they haven’t lost all season.
“But we’re both one win from Wembley – it’s that close.
“We’ve probably been better away from home recently and we’ll take a few supporters down with us that will create a good atmosphere.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager
READ > Vics 1-1 Chertsey: talking points
Numbers game
There is no away goals rule.
If the score on aggregate is level after 90 minutes, then a half-hour period of extra-time will follow.
Should the teams still be level, then a penalty shoot-out will decide who progresses.
It’s an important afternoon for…
Vics in midfield
A brilliant combination between Ryan Winder and Harvey Whyte led to Northwich’s equaliser last weekend.
However they both struggled to get into the game for the first hour.
When they did, they looked capable of doing damage to the Curfews in defence.
Wilkes remarked afterwards that Chertsey had been much better at recovering second balls in the middle of the pitch, and that’s an area he’ll be looking to improve.
READ > What Steve Wilkes said after Vics drew with Chertsey
Vics team news
Steve Wilkes expects to have everybody available except for full-back Lewis Brownhill who hasn’t travelled with the team to Surrey.
Midfielder John Connolly played for 75 minutes of a 2-1 defeat at Congleton in midweek, another step in his recovery after having surgery on a hernia.
Brian Matthews, on target against the Bears from the penalty spot, is an alternative in attack for Vics after making an impact as a substitute during the first leg.
Form (past six in all competitions)
Chertsey D W W W W D
Vics L D W W W L
Path to this stage
Chertsey QF bt West Auckland Town (a) 2-0; L16 bt Irlam (a) 2-0; R4 bt AFC St Austell (h) 5-0; R3 bt Redbridge (a) 5-0; R2 bt Horndean (h) 2-0; R1 bt Flackwell Heath (h) 6-1
Vics QF bt Sholing (h) 3-1 (aet); L16 bt Histon (a) 3-1 (aet); R4 bt Newcastle Benfield (a) 3-2 R3 bt Silsden (h) 3-0; R2 bt Prestwich Heys (h) 1-0 (r); R1 bt Cammell Laird (h) 5-0; 2QR bt Maltby Main (h) 2-0
Last season in FA Vase
Chertsey First Qualifying Round
Vics First Qualifying Round
Odds to win the FA Vase (Betway)
Chertsey 5/6
Vics 5/1
Essential information
When Saturday, March 30
Kick-off 3pm
Address Alwyns Lane, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9GY
Admission Adults £9, Concessions £5, Under 12s £2
Prize money Winners £5,500; Losers £1,750
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