Ascot United and Newport Pagnell Town will face off at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 21 May for the FA Vase final. Ascot, who have just won the Combined Counties League Premier Division North title and promotion, are “well prepared” to take on the defending champions. Newport Pagnell have more big-stage experience, having won the Vase last year. Ascot manager Jamie Tompkins believes it will be a tough match, while Newport Pagnell assistant manager Gary Chance believes both sides are evenly matched. Ascot have played nine games in total on their way to the FA Vase final, which is three more than Newport Pagnell, who did not have to go through qualifying and received a first-round bye as defending champions. For Ascot, it is the first time they have made it all the way to the final of the competition and their appearance at Wembley rubberstamps one of their best seasons to date. Buckinghamshire-based Newport Pagnell, who play in the United Counties League Premier Division South, finished their season in third place and will be looking to make it back-to-back Wembley wins. Most of their squad from last season remain and winger Kieran Barnes – who scored in last year’s final – says it will be “mission accomplished” if they repeat the feat. Live commentary of the match can be heard on BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC Sport website and app.
