Today the Henley Forest FC 1st team competed in the Birmingham FA Saturday Vase Competition for the first time since the club left the Midland Football league a few years ago.

The team was drawn against Smithswood Firs, a team riding in the Midland Football League Division 3. With very few of the current 1st team squad having experience in the Midland Football League it was a tough draw for HFFC.

The 1st team acquitted themselves very respectably, perhaps shading an even first half but going into the break at 0-0.

Following strong words from their manager, the Firs' started the second half very strongly and took a quick 2-0 lead after the break. With tiring legs and having to go in search of a way back into the game, HFFC conceded a late third and the game ended 3-0.

The result was probably fair given the quality of the Firs' 2nd half performance but the HFFC 1st team can't wait to test themselves against opposition of similar quality in the competition next season.