John Chand admits that Saturday’s FA Vase last 16 clash between Holbeach United and Erith and Belvedere is among the biggest games he’s ever been involved with in football.
The joint boss led the Tigers to three trophies in his first stint as chief between 2010 and 2013 and also steered Magnet Tavern to the final of the FA Sunday Cup at Anfield back in 2010.
But he admits the prospect of booking a place in the quarter-finals of the Vase with the class of 2015 would be “unbelievable”.
As things stand, Holbeach are four games away from a historic Wembley final.
Beating Erith, who are second in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division, would move them into the last eight, with a two-legged semi-final the other hurdle the Tigers would need to clear.
With Holbeach flying high in the UCL Premier Division, there is likely to be nothing between the sides at Carter’s Park. And Chand admits that his side have the ability to beat any Step Five opposition on their day – if they are at their best.
“Saturday is a massive game for everyone at the club,” enthused Chand. “The FA Vase is the competition everyone wants to win at this level.
“I’ve been involved in some big games, but this one is right up there with any of them if I’m honest.
“When you get to this stage, you know that there are no dummies left. It’s as big as it gets for us.
“If we can win on Saturday, the buzz of being in an FA Vase quarter-final would be incredible. You’re then just one win away from a two-legged semi-final and the kind of tactical battle that myself and (co-boss) Graham Drury would relish.
“Getting to that stage would be unbelievable for everyone at the club and that’s the aim.
“We’re not among the favourites, but I strongly believe that we can beat any side at this level on our day.
“But if we play like we did last Saturday (see page 46), we can lose to anyone too.”
The Tigers do have a bit of a yardstick when it comes to Saturday’s Kent-based opposition. Erith knocked out UCL Premier Division title rivals Yaxley 1-0 in the last round – and Holbeach have had them watched since.
They’ve won five on the bounce ahead of the showdown and will travel up to South Holland on Friday night to stay at Spalding’s Travelodge.
Chand is wary of the threat posed by their in-form opposition, but admits that the state of the Carter’s Park pitch may play a big part in the outcome.
Snow on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday has left the surface heavy – and the co-boss reckons it’ll be tough to play good football on come the weekend.
He added: “The weather has hit the pitch hard in recent weeks. To be honest, we’d prefer to be playing on a better surface.
“It’s not ideal, but unfortunately that’s just the way it is. We’ve just got to make sure we play the occasion correctly.
“It’s important not to get too worked up – we don’t want this opportunity to pass us by.”
Holbeach will be without key man Jonny Allen after he broke his leg against Cogenhoe on Saturday.
Skipper Danny Spencer (hamstring) will also be assessed closer to the game.
New loan signing, defender Jamie Anton from Corby Town, could feature.
Should the Tigers progress, they’ll bank themselves £2,500 in prize money – and a place in the history books.
