The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Joint Holbeach United boss Graham Drury admits that an FA Vase quarter-final against favourites North Shields would be a fantastic test.
The Tigers, or last 16 opponents Erith and Belvedere, have been drawn at home against the North East club on February 28.
Last weekend’s big Vase showdown was postponed after an 11am pitch inspection at Carter’s Park, so the pair will try again this Saturday (3pm).
Drury has the utmost sympathy for the Kent club, who had travelled up to South Holland on Friday night.
But he agreed with the referee’s verdict, regardless of the inconvenience it caused.
“It was very disappointing for them,” said the former Stamford and Boston United chief. “I really do feel sorry for them to be fair.
“But the referee left it as late as he could and gave the game every chance.
“There was just no way the game could have been on, the pitch was in a right state.
“Whatever happens, the pitch won’t be great this Saturday either, so it’s going to be all about who plays the conditions best on the day.
“Obviously drawing North Shields, in my opinion the strongest team left in the competition, at home in the next round is a big one.
“It’d be fantastic to test ourselves against the best.
“But we just have to prepare as well as we can for Erith and Belvedere.”
Other than Jonny Allen (broken leg), Holbeach are pretty much at full strength for Saturday’s Vase clash.
New signings Aiden Kirby (from Barwell) and Jamie Anton (from Corby Town) are both expected to feature in tonight’s (Wednesday) UCL Premier Division game at Huntingdon Town (7.45pm) and could also play on Saturday.
Should they win the rearranged Vase match, they’ll bank £2,500 in prize money.
The fund for winning a quarter-final tie then jumps up to £4,500.
Full FA Vase quarter-final draw: AFC St Austell v Ascot Utd; Highworth Town v Tadcaster Albion; Shaw Lane Aquaforce v Glossop NE/Dunston UTS; Holbeach Utd/ Erith & Belvedere v North Shields.
