Darren Jarvis believes that his Holbeach United side are capable of pulling off one of the biggest Emirates FA Cup shocks in the club’s history this weekend.
The Tigers are very much looking forward to welcoming Vanarama National League North outfit Worcester City to Carter’s Park on Saturday for a money-spinning second round qualifying tie (3pm).
Worcester, who have former £5m Premier League striker Lee Hughes and ex-Jamaica international forward Deon Burton among their ranks, are hot favourites to progress and bank the £4,500 in FA prize money.
But Holbeach, who secured an extra-time win at Stourport Swifts in the last round, won’t roll out the red carpet for their illustrious visitors.
On the contrary, excited boss Jarvis wants his side to make life as difficult as possible for Hughes and co.
He said: “This is a huge game for the club, the players and me as a manager. Whatever happens, we’ve just got to enjoy the occasion.
“But I strongly believe that if we apply ourselves in the right way, we can do something spectacular.
“We’ve got a chance to make some club history. I know Holbeach reached the first round proper back in 1982/83 and that would be incredibly hard to emulate.
“But who is to say we can’t go a few rounds further this year?
“We’ve got an incredibly hard task, but I can assure everyone that we will approach the game in the correct manner.
“If the attitude is spot-on and we make life difficult for them, then who knows? But we’re not under any illusions, they are a team full of quality – highlighted by a 3-0 win against a very strong Corby Town side recently.
“Playing against ex-pros like Lee Hughes and Deon Burton will obviously be very, very tough too. But we’ll be up for the challenge.”
Holbeach are hoping to have player/coach Andrew Tidswell (hamstring) fit again, while Jordan Thomas, hero of the last round, is available.
But Tommy Treacher (ban), Jonny Clay (away) and skipper Jamie Stevens (injury) all miss out.
