by Sam Elliott (@SamElliott_NLP)
ADAM TURNER says Hanworth Villa’s FA Vase fourth round tie with Eastbourne United is a chance to put the club firmly on the football map.
Wembley is getting closer for the Step 5 sides and the quarter-finals will be in sight for those that negotiate their way through this weekend.
Combined Counties League Hanworth tackle in-form Sussex County League Division Two leaders Eastbourne after knocking last year’s finalists Tunbridge Wells out in the previous round.
And now highly-rated Turner, the older brother of Staines Town goalkeeper Jack, says the west London side mustn’t pass up the opportunity of progression.
The centre-forward, who can be followed on Twitter @adamturnerthfc, said: “We’ll certainly be the under-dogs going into the game. Eastbourne are top of their division and they’ve not lost in the league or the Vase since September.
“But nobody gave our club a chance over at Tunbridge Wells and we surprised everyone by outplaying last year’s finalists.
“We’ve got a great team spirit here, we play for each other and this is an opportunity to create a real name for ourselves.
“We won’t be the favourites but we’ve got home advantage and I’m sure we’ll have fantastic backing. It’s a huge game for the club.”
Elsewhere in the draw, Phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds welcome St Andrews while 2012 winners Dunston UTS host Coleshill Town.
Holders Spennymoor Town have a visit from Causeway United to contend with while Sholing take on Hullbridge Sports.
The Boatmen’s manager Dave Diaper said: “This Vase run is something for the fans to celebrate after the disappointment of having to drop down the league last year.
“Our gates have actually increased even though we are in a lower league and we have increased sponsors as more local businesses want to get involved.”
DON’T MISS THE NLP’S UNRIVALLED VASE COVERAGE IN SUNDAY’S PAPER
FA Vase draw in fill:
Newcastle Benfield v Congleton Town
Spennymoor Town v Causeway Utd
Ashington v Wisbech Town
AFC Rushden & Diamonds v St Andrews
Morpeth Town v Westfields
Dunston UTS v Coleshill Town
Whickham v West Auckland Town
Larkhall Athletic v Blackfield & Langley
Ampthill Town v Norwich Utd
Hallen v Alresford Town
Sholing v Hullbridge Sports
Hanworth Villa v Eastbourne Utd
Hanwell Town v Ashford Utd
Brightlingsea Regent v Bodmin Town
East Preston v Brantham Athletic
