BRIGHOUSE Town’s disappointing FA Vase defeat on the Isle of Wight was a sickener for rival manager Darren Hepworth.
The AFC Emley boss, who hopes his side’s fourth-round home tie against Suffolk’s Hadleigh United finally goes ahead at the third time of asking this Saturday, had been hoping for a meeting with the Hove Edge team later in the competition.
“Brighouse are a great club, and (manager) Paul Quinn is a top bloke who I know well,” said Hepworth, whose Emley side play in the Baris Northern Counties East League First Division, one level below Town.
“There is a good bond between the two clubs in any case, and that was strengthened because we were the last two Yorkshire sides left in the Vase.
“With Bradford City through to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley, it would have been a dream if Emley and Brighouse could have gone there in the Vase final!”
Brighouse are now focusing on their NCEL Premier Division promotion bid after their 2-1 loss at Wessex League Newport, who will now host Borrowash Victoria or Ascot United in the last 16 on Saturday, February 9.
Emley’s reward if they defeat Hadleigh, of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division, will be a trip to Ampthill Town or Enfield 1893, who also play on Saturday.
FC Halifax Town host Blue Square Premier side Dartford in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy tonight.
