Winning the FA Vase isn’t a realistic target for in-form Holbeach United ahead of their trip to Biggleswade United on Saturday (3pm).
That’s the view of boss Seb Hayes, who admits that gunning for glory in the Future Lions UCL Premier Division, League Cup and Lincs FA Senior Trophy is the priority for the Tigers this year.
Hayes isn’t writing off Holbeach’s hopes of a strong showing in the Vase, however. He’s hoping for a good run to bring in some welcome finances – and is targeting reaching round four, which would be the best he’s achieved as a manager.
“The FA Vase isn’t the main thing on my list this year,” admitted the Tigers chief. “But that’s not to say that I’m taking my eye off the competition.
“Could we realistically hope to win the Vase? Probably not. Historically, teams from the UCL struggle – we can’t match the finances of the other sides.
“From our point of view, we’re also scrapping for players with step three and four sides, so it’s hard to get a side capable of winning the Vase on our budget.
“It’s a national competition and the financial rewards are good, so we’ll do our best to go on a run. I’ve never been past the third round as a manager, so improving on that is the aim.
“But I believe that we are capable of winning the league and the other two cups we’re in, so that will be how I judge our season.”
Biggleswade have enjoyed a super start to the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division season and sit top of the early table.
With Holbeach flying high in fourth spot in the UCL Premier Division, it’s a tasty-looking showdown on paper.
The home side also command plenty of notoriety, given that Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué serves as their Director of Football and promotes them on social media.
Hayes is looking forward to the fixture at The Carlsberg Stadium and is hopeful of at least bringing them back to Carter’s Park for a replay.
“I’ve got no idea what to expect from this one,” added the Holbeach chief. “But, at worst, I’d like a replay – I’d back us against anyone at home.
“The aim is to make sure that we’re in the hat for the next round.
“Biggleswade get a lot of attention because of Guillem Balagué, so the game will be in the spotlight a little.
“He often does a report after each game, so it’ll be interesting to see what he makes of us. We’d like to go there and do the UCL proud, but even more so we want to do the club proud.
“They’ve started the season well and look to be strong, so it’ll be a good test for us and maybe a good measure of how strong the respective leagues are.
“There is a buzz in our dressing room at the moment and we have a lot of quality.”
Holbeach will be light on attacking options for the Vase clash, with Josh Ford suspended and James Tricks cup tied. Declan Rodgers is also highly unlikely to be involved.
