Simon Johnson and his Cityzens will embark on a trip down memory lane tomorrow when they head West to face Fairford Town. Whilst it might be the first time the two sides have faced off in the FA Vase, we are very well acquainted with each other as we spent many years competing in the Uhlsport Hellenic Football League before being moved to the Combined Counties Football League as part of the Football Association’s overhaul of the National League System.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
Fairford Town Football Club, based in Fairford, Gloucestershire, was founded in 1891. Initially playing in the Cirencester and District League, they later joined the Swindon & District League after World War II, winning multiple titles in the 1960s. In 1970, the club moved to the Hellenic League, achieving promotion to the Premier Division after winning Division One A in 1972.
Over the years, Fairford experienced both promotions and relegations, finishing as runners-up in the Premier Division several times and winning various trophies, including the Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy. After being relegated in 2012, they won Division One West in 2016–17, returning to the Premier Division.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Saturday will be the first time the two sides have ever met in the FA Vase. However, we are well-acquainted with one another having spent many seasons competing in the Uhlsport Hellenic League together.
In our last six meetings, there has never been a draw with City winning three and losing three.
City’s most recent trip to Cinder Lane on the 22nd February 2020 saw Fairford win 3-0.
Fairford come into tomorrow’s game on the back of a hard-fought draw against Hartpury University on Saturday, having been 2-0 down at half-time the game finished 0-0. Johnson’s City are coming in on the back of Saturday’s 1-0 win against Hilltop here at the Rivermoor.
Johnson’s side have yet to pick up a win on the road and Cinder Lane is quite the fortress with Fairford only recording one loss on home soil so far this season.
TICKETS
Prices are:
£7 Adults
£5 Concessions (65+)
Under 16s FREE
The Acorn Property Group Stadium
Address: Fairford Town Football Club, Cinder Lane, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4AX
GETTING HERE
By Car: Take the M4 from Reading.
Follow the M4 until you reach Junction 15 for Swindon.
At junction 15, take the A346/A419 exit to Marlborough/Swindon.
At Badbury Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Marlborough Rd/A419.
In 0.25 miles turn right.
In 0.1 miles turn left onto The Street.
In 0.3 miles turn left onto Castle Eaton Bridge.
In 0.5 miles turn right.
In 0.5 miles turn right again.
In 0.3 miles continue onto Mount Pleasant.
Take a slight right onto Top Road.
Turn left onto Whelford Road.
Turn left onto A417.
Turn left onto Cinder Lane.
Fairford Town Football Club will be on the left.
By Train: From Reading take the train to Swindon.
Once you have disembarked at Swindon Railway Station, leave the station and head towards Swindon Bus Station. It’s roughly a four-minute walk.
Head northeast on Station Road toward Wellington Street.
Turn right onto Wellington Street.
Turn left onto Manchester Road.
Turn right onto New Bridge Close.
Turn right, Swindon Bus Station will be on the left.
Once you have reached Swindon Bus Station, you’ll need to catch the Number 7 towards Highworth from Bay 11. Ride the Number 7 operated by Stagecoach West for 24 Stops before disembarking at Stapleton Close.
Once you’ve disembarked at Stapleton Close, catch the Number 77 towards Cirencester from the same stop. Ride the Number 77 operated by Stagecoach West for 22 Stops and disembark at Hatherop Lane, from here the ground will be a 5-minute walk.
Head west on A417 toward Hatherop Lane.
Turn left onto Cinder Lane and the ground will be on the left.
By Bus: There are a few seats available on the official team coach for just £10 per person. Get yours now
The coach will depart the Rivermoor at 11:30 sharp, so please arrive by 11:15 at the latest! We are expected to return to the Rivermoor from Gloucestershire at 19:30 latest.
Please note that this ticket 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬, once you arrive at Cinder Lane, you’ll be required to pay the admission fee to watch the game, which Fairford Town have informed us is £7 Adults, £5 Concessions (65+) and Under 16s FREE.
Seats are available first come, first served so book now to avoid disappointment.
