As the dust settles from Tuesday night’s disappointing result against Little Oakley we now look towards Saturday as we make the trip over to Hertfordshire to face Ware FC in the FA Trophy 1st Qualifying round at their Wodson Park Stadium.

Where? Ware?

Formed in 1893, Ware FC, nicknamed “The Blues” play their football in the Southern League Division One Central (Step 4) at Wodson Park having previously participated in the Isthmian League North before the FA Leagues Committee re-organization of the National League Structure meant Ware were re-allocated to the Southern League Central at the start of the 2021/22 season.

The Blues have a rich and successful history in the Hertfordshire leagues and cups, spanning multiple Herts Senior Cup, Charity Shields and League titles. Their most recent success however was the Isthmian League Division Two title in the 2005/06 season. Their best run in The FA Trophy is the 3rd Qualifying round reached in 1979-80.

Their colours are Blue and White (Hence their Nickname!) which means the R’s will be playing in our Home Red and Black colours for Saturday’s clash.

Previous Encounters and Head-to-Head

We have faced our opponents several times in the past when Ware were playing in the Isthmian League. Our most recent encounter came on the 25th February 2017 where Regent came away 3-0 winners at Wodson Park. The R’s went on to win the isthmian League North title that season and thus promoted to the Premier Division. Ware however, were reprieved from relegation having finished in 22nd place that year.
Regent currently has the upper hand regarding head-to-head, with 3 wins for the R’s and 1 win for Saturday’s hosts.

Previous Encounter: Ware 0 – 3 Brightlingsea Regent – ILN – 25.02.2017
Brightlingsea Regent 5 – 0 Ware – ILN – 21.02.2017
Brightlingsea Regent 1 – 0 Ware – ILN 14.03.2015
Ware 2 – 1 Brightlingsea Regent – ILN – 20.09.2014

Both clubs come into Saturday’s fixture on similar competitive form, with both clubs only winning one match in their previous 5 competitive matches and drawing 1.

Our FA Trophy story so far…

The R’s have participated in The FA Trophy since we joined the Isthmian League in 2014 with our best runs coming in the 2018-19, 20/21*, 21/22*, 22/23*, and 2023/24 when we reached the Third Qualifying Round.

*The club entered the competition at this stage in these seasons.

Last season saw us progress past the Preliminary round by beating Barton Rovers at North Road with a convincing 3-1 win before being knocked out by Leighton Town in the First Qualifying Round. We’ll be aiming to go one (or more!) better this time round!

Travelling to the ground

Travel Information courtesy of Warefc.co.uk

Ground address: Ware FC, Wodson Park, Wadesmill Road, Ware SG12 0UQ.

Car:
Take the A120 towards Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford leaving the A120 at Standon Hill to merge onto the A10 south bound, come off at the junction for the A1170. The slip road brings you to a roundabout. Take the second major road exit and the entrance to Wodson Park is 100m on the left.

Public Transport:
Take the 87 Bus to Colchester North Station (Or Wivenhoe for connecting train to Colchester North Station). Take the Greater Anglia train to London Liverpool Street and switch to the Greater Anglia service to Hertford East, Ware. The ground is on the outskirts of town, take the 331 bus which stops outside the ground entrance. Walking will take around 35 minutes.

Supporters Minibus:

There are spaces available on the supporter’s minibus (Limited Spaces).
Price: £15 Per Head
Departing: 12pm
Meet Up Location: Kent Close outside the Neil Turner Stand Turnstile.

Please contact Dan Appleby on 07495320089 to book a space.

Please note the Minibus will be departing immediately after Full Time.

Admission Prices:

Adults: £10
Under 16’s and concessions: £5
Under 14’s accompanied by a paying adult are admitted free for league and friendly games. Otherwise, Under 14’s are £2.50.

Gates open at 1:30PM.

Let’s get behind the lads as we aim to kick start our season with our first win!

#UpTheRs