On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Whitstable Town will host Fleet Town in the Isuzu FA Vase Fifth Round Proper. This match marks a significant milestone for both clubs, as they aim to advance to the quarter-finals of this prestigious competition.

Whitstable Town's FA Vase Journey

Whitstable Town, established in 1885, has a storied history in English football. Their most notable FA Vase run occurred in the 1996–97 season when they reached the Fifth Round before losing 1-0 to eventual runners up North Ferriby United on Humberside. This season, the Oystermen have matched that achievement, showcasing their determination and resilience. In the earlier rounds, they secured a 4-1 victory against Corinthian-Casuals, with Harvey Smith netting a hat-trick. Their journey continued with a win over Hollands & Blair, setting up a home tie against Virginia Water in the First Round Proper. Progressing through the subsequent rounds, beating Lydd Town, cup favourites Jersey Bulls and most recently Walsham le Willows after a penalty shootout in Suffolk, Whitstable Town now find themselves on the cusp of making club history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

Fleet Town's FA Vase Journey

Fleet Town's FA Vase campaign has been historic. For the first time in 45 years, they advanced to the Second Round Proper, overcoming Sutton Athletic in a penalty shootout. Their momentum continued with a 1-0 victory over Rochester United, courtesy of an early own goal. This season marks their inaugural appearance in the Fifth Round, highlighting the team's remarkable progress and ambition.

Match Preview

Whitstable Town and Fleet Town have met before, the most recent meetings being in the 2010-11 season when both were in the Isthmian Division One South. Fleet won both fixtures 3-2 in that campaign and finished 13th, two places and three points above Whitstable. They were then moved into the Southern League and both clubs have had mixed fortunes since, now finding themselves at Step 5, hoping for promotion and success in the FA Vase.

Both teams have demonstrated exceptional form in this season's FA Vase, making this encounter highly anticipated. Whitstable Town will leverage their home advantage at The Primcura Healthcare Stadium, where a passionate fan base is expected to provide robust support. Fleet Town, buoyed by their historic run, will aim to continue their impressive journey.

The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eager to etch their names in the annals of FA Vase history. Fans can anticipate a display of skill, determination, and the unpredictable excitement that cup football invariably delivers.

As the teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the football community will be watching keenly to see who advances to the quarter-finals, moving one step closer to the coveted final at Wembley Stadium.