The FA Vase is a competition for step four and five clubs, meaning a selection of our local sides are not in it.
Lincoln United climbed into the FA Trophy, so they could not repeat their heroics of a couple of years back. Gainsborough Trinity are too high, as are Spalding United. It means the likes of Louth Town and Skegness Town carried the county’s hopes, but for many, they’ve been dashed.
Newark and Sherwood beat Louth Town in the first qualifying round, but were then beaten by Grantham Town in the next round. Newark Town went out on penalties against Kimerberly Miners Welfare, and in fairness, neither are actually from Lincolnshire. They are closer to Lincoln than Skegness, who went out in qualifying against Oadby, while Sleaford were hammered 4-0 by Clipstone.
Brigg Town did get to the second round, losing to West Didsbury & Chorlton, and as I’m sure you’ll realise, that means Lincolnshire’s involvement is hugely reduced for this weekend’s third round. Indeed, in the third round, only one of ‘our’ clubs will be in action.
⚫⚪ 🏆 ISUZU FA VASE 3rd ROUND — GIANT AWAY DAY LOADING! 🚌 ⚫⚪
2️⃣ more sleeps until the lads from Grantham hit the road to take on the mighty
Gornal Athletic FC this Saturday! ⚽🔥🚌 The coach is filling up fast — The Black & White Army are READY!
— Grantham Town FC (@granthamtownfc) December 4, 2025
That honour goes to Grantham Town, fourth in the United Counties League Premier Division North (that’s a mouthful). They’re a step 10 team, a level below Grantham, but the Gingerbreads have to make the trip to Dudley to battle for a place in the next round.
Grantham, who boast one-time Imps trialist Lee Shaw amongst their squad, progressed to this stage courtesy of a penalty shoot-out win against Abbey Hulton United in the last round.