SHOLING have bid a fond farewell to Wembley hero Matt Brown as their FA Cup journey continues at home to Swindon Supermarine tomorrow (Friday, 7.45pm).

The goalkeeper, whose stubborn show of defiance earned him the man-of-the-match award in the Boatmen’s 2014 Vase triumph, is starting a new life in the United States.

The 26-year-old married his American girlfriend, Alyssa, last weekend and, having initially intended to stay in England for one farewell season, has decided to move across 'The Pond' sooner than planned.

Sholing boss Dave Diaper said: “Matt’s been tremendous, he’s professional in everything he does. He’ll be remembered for his performance at Wembley more than anything and we’re indebted to him for helping us achieve that FA Vase win.

“We’ll all miss him, but Ryan Gosney has come in and done extremely well and we’ve got young Jordan Brooks on contract, so we're well covered.”

Brown has also left his role as sports lecturer/head football coach at Bournemouth and Poole College and will be looking to take up new coaching and teaching opportunities in the States.

He said: “I had three great years at Sholing, most memorably winning the FA Vase, being man-of-the-match and winning the Wessex League.

“It’s a good club and I hope at some point they get the ground and infrastructure in place to be able to progress to the next level.”

Sholing, who have dropped back into the Sydenhams Premier Division, have racked up four straight league and cup wins.

But they will have their work cut out tomorrow against a Supermarine side currently lying fifth in the division the Boatmen came out of, the Southern One South & West, with ten points from five games.

Diaper was delighted with the late Lewis Kelly strike that sneaked a 2-1 league victory at Hamworthy United on Tuesday, but not so pleased to lose defensive stalwart Pete Castle to a thigh injury.

Skipper Byron Mason and defender Dean Faithfull both miss the Cup game due to weddings, but it is hoped that midfielder Jack Smith will recover from a hamstring problem.

Tomorrow's winners will host the victors of Saturday’s Winchester City versus Wincanton Town tie in the first qualifying round on September 12.

*With Martin Tongs preparing to stand down due to work commitments, Sholing are on the lookout for a new reserve team manager. Call Diaper on 07770 873555.