Hinckley AFC manager Carl Abbott has vowed his side will fly out of the blocks in Saturday’s clash with Buckland Athletic for a place in The Buildbase FA Vase quarter-finals.
Hinckley, who were only formed in their current guise three years ago after Hinckley United folded, are sixth in Midland League Division One, a tier below Saturday’s Devonian opponents.
Buckland are third in the Western League Premier Division, and are favourites on paper to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
However, Abbott is determined to leave everything on the pitch as he looks to mastermind an upset.
“We’ll certainly be going out to try and take the game by the scruff of the neck early on and take it from there,” Abbott said.
“If we sit back, we’ll go home with a lot of regrets. We know we’re playing an excellent side.
“Buckland are a level above and should beat us handily, and not only that, they are a side who are one of the best teams in their league.
“I don’t think playing with any fear or trepidation will do anything for us. If we’re going any further in this competition, we’ve got to be fearless. We’ve got to play the game, enjoy it and have no regrets.”
Hinckley have netted more than 70 times in the league this season already, and Abbott is confident his side can score against anyone they face.
As a result, he says, the team need to remain tactically astute, as well as utilising their home advantage.
“We’ve said that no matter who we draw, we’re capable of scoring goals,” added Abbott.
“It’s a case of being tactically right and not giving anything away and, if we do that, we have a chance.
“We’ve got to be right at the other end and see what happens.
“We’ve fancied ourselves in each round before this. It’s probably the first time in this year’s competition where we’re going into the unknown.
“The fact we’re at home and they’ve got a four-hour journey to us it’s our responsibility to take the game to them.”
FA Vase history
Since fans reformed Hinckley United as Hinckley AFC in time for the 2014-15 season they have been knocked out in the FA Vase first round qualifying against Tipton Town, and the first round proper last season to Long Eaton United. This is also the furthest that Buckland have reached, having been halted at the third round in the last two seasons.
Did you know?
Hinckley are the top scorers in their division, despite having played the fewest games of anyone in the league. Abbott’s side have scored 71 times in 20 games, an average of 3.55 goals per game.
One to watch
Attacking midfielder Ryan Seal is in the form of his life, and will be the chief threat to Buckland’s defence.
The club’s captain and all-time leading goal scorer has bagged 35 goals in all competitions this season, including four hat-tricks.
The prize
A place in the quarter-final draw, and a cheque for £1,875, awaits the winner.
Non-League Finals Day
The final of The Buildbase FA Vase forms part of Non-League Finals Day, which takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 21 May. Tickets are now on sale from ticketing.thefa.com priced at just £12.50 for adults and £1 for children.
