Hinckley AFC take a break from league action tomorrow when they start their FA Vase journey – and manager Courtney Belford knows it’s a special competition.
After picking up 15 points from their opening seven league games, Hinckley are back in the FA Vase at their first qualifying round this season for the first time since 2016.
They welcome the North West Counties League Division One South’s bottom side, with Ellesmere still looking for their first win of the season.
But Belford knows that the nature of the Vase means it won’t be a simple task for his side.
He said: “The Vase is a very special competition, and one that you always look forward to.
“With it only being for teams at our level and the one above, you’d like to think that in a one-off game you can compete with anyone if we have our best team on the pitch and we’re bang at it.
“Everyone wants a run in the Vase, Hinckley have always tended to do well in the Vase and that’s something that we want to continue.”
Belford will make a late call on the fitness of Jake Healy, after the winger went off through injury on Monday, but says if Healy doesn’t make it, there are plenty of other players who could take their chance.
“Lewis Commins hasn’t shown the fans what he’s about yet. I know what he’s capable of, I’ve had him at Nuneaton Griff and been with him at Romulus – he’s scored goals 
wherever he’s been. He’s frustrated that he hasn’t been able to show what he’s about but I’ve got full faith in him and I know what quality he brings.
“Alex Lock’s also available again after an injury, and could be available, so he’s another who could come in.
“It’s down to the boys to take their chance and prove what they’re about. We’ve got to have that desire to get in the team and people will be disappointed if they don’t get games, but we’ve got a squad if 18-20 who are all good enough to start.
“It’s a headache we want to have and it’s harsh on lads who aren’t playing, but up until Monday we’d done very well and we’re all on a clean slate again on Saturday.”
The tie must be decided tomorrow, meaning extra time and penalties if necessary. There will be no replay.
The winners of the tie will host Rocester in the second round qualifying in a fortnight’s time.
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