Drury stands by claim that Holbeach United can win FA Vase

When Graham Drury agreed to join John Chand as joint boss at Holbeach United, winning the FA Vase was listed as one of his chief reasons for returning to management.

Nearly six months on, the former Boston United and Stamford chief still believes that is a realistic option ahead of Saturday’s tough Carter’s Park test against Gorleston (3pm).

The Norfolk-based Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Premier Division side are tipped as tough opposition for the Tigers on Saturday.

And Drury admits that the first round clash is as big to him as last weekend’s top-of-the-table UCL Premier Division clash with AFC Rushden and Diamonds.

He said: “It’s one of those games where neither side will know a great deal about each other.

“What I will say is that I’m sure they will be a very decent outfit.

“It’s a very tough tie and is easily as big a game as the Diamonds one last weekend.

“I stand by what I said, we’re in the FA Vase to win it. It’s something John and I are keen have a good go at.

“We had a bit of a shocker against PNS recently, but we got the right response from the players at Diamonds and hopefully will get more of the same on Saturday.”

The Tigers are boosted by the return from suspension of skipper Jamie Stevens, but Jake Gibson may miss out through injury.

Striker Aaron Preston is also cup tied – and with Tommy Treacher having left for Wisbech Town, Drury and Chand will have to choose between Lee Dube, Jamie Clarke and Gary King in attack.

New signing Ed Adjei, who impressed during his first game on loan from St Neots Town last weekend, should be fit to start.

Drury admits that it’s unclear if any move for the winger will be made permanent or not.