BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small admits his players are unlikely to have a better chance to play at Wembley after the FA Vase semi-final draw was made.
Should Bowers see off the challenge of Kidlington in Saturday’s replay, they face a two-legged tie against either Bristol Manor Farm or Morpeth Town.
Bowers avoided drawing big-hitters Salisbury and Hereford in the draw, with both reforming in the last two years after financial troubles.
And Small said his side have a wonderful opportunity, having watched his side play out a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Hellenic Premier Division side last weekend.
“We’ve been given a great chance to get to Wembley, although we know how difficult the games will be if we want to get there,” said Small. “If we were West Ham, avoiding Salisbury and Hereford is like dodging Man City and Chelsea.
“It is a great chance, but first we have to beat Kidlington.
“I am focused on Saturday. Extra-time was really hard work last weekend and we said at half-time if we can get through it and go to a replay then we would take that. Although it will be a difficult ask on Saturday.”
Bowers had another league match postponed on Tuesday, and now have to squeeze in 20 league matches in the last eight weeks of the season, with the campaign set to end on Saturday, April 23.
Small admitted it was a daunting prospect, although says he would not swap the Vase run for anything.
“It is verging on farcical but there is nothing we can do to change that,” he said. “If you ask me whether I would swap our FA Vase run for fewer fixtures then the answer would be no.
“The Vase has captured the imagination of everyone. I was on national radio talking about Bowers & Pitsea at the start of the week so it really is incredible.”
Despite their fixture congestion this season, Bowers are unlikely to face a similar pile-up next term as they look to re-surface the Len Salmon Stadium pitch, improve drainage and bolster facilities.
The club have submitted the plans, with the work estimated to cost £300,000, and have applied for a grant which would cover 50 per cent of the costs.
And Small said the news takes some weight off his shoulders, as he stares down the barrel of a hectic end-of-season schedule.
“I don’t know if I could handle another season like the last two,” he said. “It is a hard sell for the players as well, as they knew the end of the season would be like this. But, should we not secure promotion this year, we will have provisions in place for next season which mean we would be able to give promotion a really good crack.”
l Bowers & Pitsea are running a coach to Kidlington on Saturday. Leaving the Len Salmon Stadium at 9am and stopping for lunch, anyone interested should call Paul Marshall on 07960 262724. Seats are available for just £10.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article