Isuzu FA Vase First Round Qualifying
Corsham Town FC’s FA Vase campaign ended prematurely for the second consecutive year, falling to lower-league opposition in the First Round Qualifying. Despite missing key players due to injury, illness, and squad rotation, the Quarrymen were expected to match up well against Stonehouse Town.
The home side started with a flurry of attacking intent, but Corsham gradually found their footing and created several opportunities. However, a combination of sloppy finishing and impressive defending from Stonehouse kept the score level.
Corsham’s play became increasingly disjointed as the first half progressed, allowing Stonehouse to dominate possession. The home side had several chances to take the lead but was denied by the heroics of Kent Kauppinen. Both sets of fans were undoubtedly relieved when the halftime whistle blew, ending a lacklustre opening period.
The second half failed to provide much improvement. Kent Kauppinen remained the busier of the two goalkeepers, while Corsham struggled to create clear-cut chances until the closing stages. A series of corners offered a glimmer of hope, but the Quarrymen were unable to convert.
The subsequent penalty shootout mirrored the match’s overall pattern, with neither side showing a strong desire to win. Ultimately, Stonehouse missed fewer penalties than Corsham, deservedly earning them a place in the next round.
Corsham’s historic run to the semi-finals two seasons ago now seems like a distant memory.
