The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Upbeat Holbeach United boss Seb Hayes says he’s never believed in a team more than his current crop.
The Tigers chief is preparing for a Buildbase FA Vase trip to Midlands League Division One high-fliers Walsall Wood on Saturday (3pm), with a place in the third round the prize.
Wood have won all six of their home games in the step six league, scoring 20 goals in the process.
But Hayes admits that he knows little more than that about their red-hot hosts – and he’s comfortable with that.
He said: “I always thought that Walsall Wood were step five. Regardless of their division, I know that they are absolutely flying and scoring for fun.
“But beyond that, I don’t know anything about them. And, to be honest, I’m fine with that.
“At the start of the season we were scouting opponents and giving the players a lot of information ahead of each game.
“Of course, we still do our homework. But, after the Deeping Rangers defeat (4-3) a few months ago – when we set up to stop them playing – we made a decision to let the lads just get on with it.
“It went down really well in the dressing room – and we’ve only lost once since. We’ll focus on ourselves and prepare correctly. I’ve never believed in a team more than this bunch.
“I inherited a good team at Huntingdon Town, but myself and the management team here built this Holbeach side.
“I genuinely believe this team can do anything, we have such great spirit and ability. Of course, Saturday is about the money and the club would financially benefit from us winning.
“I’ve also never been past the third round as a manager, so I’d love to take this team there.
“It’s a massive game for us, make no mistake.”
Holbeach go into the Vase clash at the ML Safety Stadium (postcode WS9 9NP) off the back of a fine 2-0 win over ChromaSport UCL Premier Division rivals Eynesbury Rovers at Carter’s Park on Wednesday night.
The victory moved them into the top six – and Hayes admits that he’d consider his team as title hopefuls if they get within five points of top spot by Christmas.
But, before then, he insists that finishing in the top five remains the aim.
The Tigers boss hoped to field two new loan signings in Wednesday’s game, but is unsure if he’ll be able to use them on Saturday.
Mitch Griffiths (injury) is also a major doubt for Saturday and both Charley Sanders and Jordan Keeble remain sidelined.
Stacy Cartwright, Nick Jackson and Luke Avis – who has been given the all-clear following a heart scare – could all return though.
