Sidley hope to paper cracks ahead of Vase tie

SIDLEY United believe they can still go further than they have ever gone before in the FA Vase despite the unavailability crisis that is currently gripping the club.

The Blues entertain St Blazey, South Western League champions for six of the last seven seasons, in round three of the national competition on Saturday December 10.

But if they're to eclipse their achievements of the 1998/99 season, they will have to do so without Kevin Rose (suspended), Nick Whiteman (cup-tied) and Steve Morris (holiday), plus manager Liam Barham and Alan Johnson (both injury).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

What's more, Jimmy Watson, Dave Ward, Richard Harrison and Keith Miles are all unlikely to be fit, while Paul Henty, Dominic Clarke and Peter Newstead are all rated 50-50.

Of all the injuries, Johnson's is the most serious because the midfielder faces almost two months in plaster after breaking his ankle in two places during an SCFA Sunday Challenge Cup quarter-final tie last weekend.

"I'm sure we'll get a side out," said assistant manager Andy Laskey, "and I'm sure we'll battle and do ourselves justice. If we had a full strength side, the way we're playing at home I'm sure we could get the right result.

"I don't see why the players wouldn't believe they can do it. They're obviously a good side and are used to winning things, but no-one is thinking 'oh God! We want to keep it under five' and if we hear anyone thinking 'we want to keep it under five' we will very quickly drum into them that's not the case. It's a cup game and anything can happen."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the cards being stacked against Sidley, Laskey says that they will persist with their familiar 3-5-2 formation rather than adopting a more defensive approach.

Although St Blazey lie just ninth in their league, they've been beaten only once (three times in all competitions) this season. They've scored an impressive 26 goals in their nine league outings and have won seven and drawn two of their last nine fixtures in all competitions.

In the event of a draw at the end of extra-time, a replay would take place in Cornwall the following Saturday. Kick-off at Gullivers is 3pm.

Related topics: