Atherstone chairman on FA Vase replay: Time for town to be proud of the players, whatever the result

Adders chairman Brian Henney has saluted his FA Vase heroes ahead of tonight's replay with Worcester City for already "exceeding expectations" in the competition.

Henney remained confident the Atherstone Town players who came so close to making history on Saturday at Sheepy Road will reach the last eight of the competition for the first time courtesy of their away trip to The Blues' shared ground in Bromsgrove.

He said the weekend tie had been a "great game and a great day" by two teams and both sets of fans, who wanted the "ultimate goal of Wembley" – while soundly condemning as having "no place in any sporting arena" several incidents emanating from off-the-field.

And the chairman supported the Midland Football League Premier outfit's decision to segregate the fans for the game tonight for "quite rightly taking major steps to avoid any repeats of the behaviour".

But, returning to the players, he enthused: "In all honesty whatever the result our players have more than exceeded expectations in this competition and Atherstone should be proud."

Like the most of the 842 fans who trooped out the Mark Wester Community Stadium after 120 minutes on Saturday – Henney must have been left wondering "if only" as Adders held sway, and a 1-0 advantage through Josh Ruff, until mid-way through the second period when keeper Carl O'Neil spilled a routine volley and let in Worcester's Marco Adaggio to square the teams.

Tonight, from O'Neil through to the front line, Adders have the chance to rise to the challenge and progress to FA Vase quarter-finals – and home advantage in a last eight tie against County Durham-based Northern League Division One side Consett AFC on February 29.

Ahead of tonight's replay (kick-off 7.45pm), Atherstone Town Community FC put out a statement reiterating their disappointment at a "small number of hot-headed youngsters who let the town down" on Saturday.

Henney added: "Yes, as a club we were hugely disappointed and apologise for their behaviour, as I did personally to Worcester City FC.

"Our policy has always been zero tolerance in such matters, and we take all allegations very seriously indeed."

The chairman pointed to the fact that the club has received no notification from the FA with regard to any allegations as reported in the Worcester press.

He added: "It would therefore be unwise for me to comment any further on these allegations as reported by the Worcester News, but I reiterate homophobia and racism have no place in any arena.

"Warwickshire Police has been informed of these incidents and ATCFC will pass on any further information forthcoming directly to them."

The club said keeper Carl O'Neil had had his belongings taken from side of the goal – with spare gloves and a towel not returned.

Henney also told Atherstone Nub News that the streaker who interrupted play just after half-time would receive a lifetime ban from the ground – with immediate effect.