Tom Roberts knows all about playing at Walsall Wood in the FA Vase.
The Holbeach United player/assistant boss – along with skipper Jamie Stevens and Andrew Tidswell – was part of the Spalding United side that won 3-0 there back in 2013.
However, the Tulips were controversially expelled from the competition after fielding the ineligible Garfield ‘Louis’ Robinson for the final five minutes, ending their Wembley dream. Roberts remembers Oak Park, Holbeach’s destination on Saturday (3pm), being a very difficult place to go – and thinks the Carter’s Park side could hardly have been handed a tougher second round draw.
The Midlands Premier Division side knocked out a strong Wisbech Town side last season and are currently eighth in a division that includes FA Cup heroes Sporting Khalsa (fifth).
“I remember the game well,” said Roberts. “It’s a very, very tough place to go – we’ll need to be up for it.
“It’s probably as hard a draw as we could have expected at this stage.
“We’ve just got to hope that our quality shines through on the day.
“I’ve spoken to a few contacts about them, so we’ll know what to expect.”
However, it would take a brave man to bet against Holbeach in a cup competition this season.
They impressed in the FA Cup and have already booked their place in the last eight of the UCL Knockout Cup after Saturday’s 2-1 win at Kirby Muxloe (see page 45).
Andrew Tidswell, Stacy Cartwright and Gary King should all return to the fold, meaning the Tigers will travel with a strong side.
Roberts insists that his side have already proven they are a strong cup side and added that he and boss Darren Jarvis are targeting a good run in the Vase.
He said: “Every UCL side will want to have a good Vase run. You can’t play a side higher than step five, so you always have a chance. We proved in the FA Cup that we can raise our game for this kind of match, so we know that we’re capable of going on a run.”
Meanwhile, Holbeach have received a seven-day approach from Stamford for defender Stevens.
The Daniels are now bossed by ex-Tigers chief Graham Drury, but Stevens is expected to stay put.
