Happy Holbeach United boss Phil Barnes is looking forward to Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round trip to Long Eaton United.
Barnes, who saw his side kick off their Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North campaign with a 3-0 defeat at much fancied Skegness Town on Wednesday night feels the Tigers are in a strong position ahead of the trip to Grange Park (3pm).
After a summer that has seen numerous first-team regulars depart, the new-look Holbeach squad – which has seen the likes of Stacey Cartwright, Aaron Eyett, Harry Grigas and Kieran Rose move to Carter’s Park – are hoping to embark on a memorable run in the national competition.
Barnes is hopeful that the FA Cup can provide the Tigers with both a timely financial and morale boost after the past year and a half of pandemic restrictions, but admits that he knows very little about their Derbyshire opponents.
“The FA Cup is always a competition we look forward to,” said the Tigers chief. “I think after what all football clubs have been through during the pandemic, we need all the financial help we can get.
“Of course, the players always look forward to the FA Cup and we’ve had some good runs in it over the years.
“I don’t know much about Long Eaton, we’re hopefully going to have them watched but that kind of thing has been problematic given what has been going on with COVID.
“We want to win the game and earn the club some money, but we also want to be able to go out and enjoy competitive football again – we can’t wait for that.
“We’ll look to win every game we play this season and Saturday will be no different. We’ll have to learn about our opposition on the field and adapt accordingly, which is how it goes in this kind of game.
“It’s been a tough summer at the club for many reasons and things weren’t looking good at one point, if I’m honest.
We lost a lot of players who have been great for us over a number of years. But I wrote down the squad for the upcoming games the other night and I’m very happy with how we’re looking.
“Pre-season has been tough, but we’re now in a good position and we’re feeling confident for the season ahead.”
Providing they pick up no injuries at Skegness, Holbeach are largely at full strength for Saturday’s game. New signing Rose is their only serious injury doubt, while skipper Nick Jackson came through 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-2 friendly draw at Harrowby United.
Goals from Eyett and Josh Balding had given them a 2-0 half-time lead, but the hosts hit back with two goals to level.
