For the first time in their 124 year history, Virginia Water have progressed to the First Qualifying Round proper of the Emirates FA Cup. Having beaten fellow Step 5 Hellenic Premier Division side, Brimscombe & Thrupp, in the Extra Preliminary Round, Waters were rewarded with a home tie against local rivals, and Step 4 Isthmian South Central Division side, Ascot United in the Preliminary Round. 

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Having made their Emirates FA Cup debut in 2019, Waters had never previously progressed past the Preliminary Round, having always fallen short to teams in higher divisions. The draw for this season's Preliminary round was no different, Waters were given another tall task. The task was made harder, as Ascot led 0-1 at Half Time thanks to Aiden Payne-James' first goal for the club, and it seemed like Waters' cup journey for 24/25 would meet the same fate as their previous entries. 

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However, Manager Adam Sams has instilled more belief into this Waters side. Having steadily progressed season upon season in the league, Waters had made a flying start to 24/25 with four wins out of four going into the Ascot game. Prolific striker Turnell Sinclair equalised for Waters in the 62nd minute tto take his tally to six goals (in five games), and the game was then on a knife edge, with both sides having chances and hitting the woodwork. But, with tensions running high and time running out, captain Jack Mills secured a historic victory with a 93rd  minute winner. Tempers then boiled over as the game took a feisty and not-pleasant turn, and the referee showed red cards to both of the home side's goalscorers and also to two Ascot players. The fracas took the shine off of the win and performance from the home side, but there is no denying, history, and progress, has been made.

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Waters' reward is an away tie in the First Qualifying Round to Isthmian Premier Division's Horsham FC. Full details will be available on the club's social media channels shortly, but pencil in the 31st August for a trip towards the coast!