Saturday’s huge FA Vase clash between Thurnby Nirvana and Holbeach United means more to Jake Duffy than most.
The in-form Tigers midfielder, who has scored three goals in his last two games, literally lives over the road from Thurnby’s Dakyn Road base in Leicestershire.
Both Duffy and his brother Jordan have played under Nirvana chief Damion Qualiey over the years – and it’s clear Holbeach’s man-of-the-moment has a lot of respect for his hometown club.
Known for their attacking style, only league leaders AFC Rushden and Diamonds have scored more home league goals than Thurnby this year.
Their leading scorer, 16-goal Liam Canavan, is one of Duffy’s good friends. And he admits that he’ll take some stick from him if the result doesn’t go Holbeach’s way.
“It’s a dream draw for me really,” said the ex-Oadby Town ace. “Both me and my family live very close to the ground.
“Thurnby are a really good side and play some great attacking football.
“I actually played for them a few years ago after picking up a nasty injury. Their manager DQ was good enough to let me train with them – and I ended up spending the rest of the season with them.
“My brother Jordan has also played for them and quite a few of my friends are part of the side now.
“I’ve been having a bit of banter with Liam Canavan – if we lose, I’ll be getting plenty of stick that’s for sure!”
Although respectful of Thurnby’s ability, Duffy is pleased that Holbeach have been handed a tie with a fellow UCL Premier Division outfit.
Tigers co-boss Graham Drury has been very vocal in his claims that his team can win the Vase – and that’s a view the midfielder buys into.
Victory in Saturday’s fourth round tie would send Holbeach into the last 16 of the national competition, with Duffy admitting every player at Carter’s Park is dreaming of a Wembley final.
He added: “I’m aware of what Graham said about us winning the Vase. Every player at this level would be lying if they said they weren’t excited at the prospect of playing at Wembley.
“It’s all about the luck of the draw. I’m pleased that we’ve drawn a UCL side really, a long trip up north would have been a lot tougher.
“Both sides will know a lot about each other on Saturday. Personally, I’m in a really good patch of form and can’t wait for the match.
“Thurnby have proved that they can beat the likes of Rushden and Diamonds at their place, so we’ll need to be on our game.”
Second-placed Holbeach will go into Saturday’s game (3pm) some 14 points better off than sixth-placed Nirvana.
However, both sides have scored 55 league goals so far this season – meaning goals galore are likely to be on the menu.
In direct contrast to Duffy’s view, joint Tigers chief John Chand is disappointed that his side have been handed familiar opposition at this stage of the Vase.
But he’s also very respectful of Thurnby’s attacking prowess, labelling them the “most potent attacking team in the league”.
He’s expecting a difficult test, but has backed Holbeach to keep their eight-game winning streak alive.
“I prefer to avoid UCL sides in the Vase or FA Cup,” said Chand. “There’s something exciting about stepping into the unknown.
“But it is what it is. Thurnby have been making life very difficult for teams this season.
“If you look at them, they’ve got that mentality of ‘if you score three, we’ll get four’ going on.
“For me, they’re an explosive side that are the most potent attacking force in the UCL. I’m not expecting them to try and grind out a 1-0 win over us.
“Graham and I will do everything we can to make sure the lads are at it from the start. It’ll be difficult for us, but we’d back ourselves to beat any UCL side on our day.”
The Tigers have no injury concerns ahead of the tie, which will see the winners bank £2,000 in prize money.
