F.A. Vase 1974-75

In 1974, the F.A. abolished the distinction between professional and amateur footballlers, giving everyone the same status of "players". This meant the F.A. Amateur Cup needed changing. Some of the senior ex-amateur clubs joined the F.A. Trophy, which had been started five years earlier to cater for the semi-professional clubs of similar standard, while the F.A. Vase was born for over 200 clubs from below the top level of non-league football to compete on a supposedly equal footing. Two finalists emerged from the South East, with underdogs Hoddesdon Town getting the better of Epsom & Ewell by the odd goal in three in a Wembley final

Looking back to those clubs who competed in the first F.A. Vase shows some contrasting fortunes. Some, like Aylesbury United and Forest Green Rovers, have climbed up and reached the Football Conference, only one step away from League football. Others have drifted away, or folded altogether. Some, like Donnington Wood, Lostock Gralam, Midland Athletic, Moulton, Swindon Victoria or Viney St Swithins never competed at F.A. Vase level again

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