HARES boss Paul Crosbie has insisted there is no animosity between March Town United and Chatteris Town after two of his players defected to the Lilies.

Talented midfielders Aidan Hollis and Jack Saunders swapped Chatteris for March in the summer.

But the duo have now been tempted to return to West Street, where new chairman Shaun Hayden is hoping to revive the club on and off the pitch.

“They’ve both told me that they don’t want to play for March any more,” said Crosbie. “That is fine - I don’t hold any grudges against them.

“I don’t begrudge anyone that came and gave it a go with us and then decided it wasn’t for them. I’m obviously not going to waste my time though, or have players waste the club’s time.

“These things happen in football. I’ve never known any animosity between the clubs.”

Crosbie admitted he was particularly disappointed that teenage star Hollis had made the U-turn because “he is a very good footballer with a lot of potential”.

But the absence of the Chatteris contingent did not hold the Hares back on Saturday as they stunned Thurlow Nunn First Division leaders Cambridge University Press in the Knockout Cup.

Robbie Masters’ 14th minute strike was enough to secure March a trip to Great Yarmouth in the quarter-finals on February 6.

“It was a thoroughly deserved win,” said Crosbie. “We had 14 lads committed to the cause and the five that were unavailable all sent good luck messages before the game.

“It was the best result of the season. It showed the volunteers and all those that pay to watch that we are one.

“There were no individuals - just a team of players that care about March Town United.”

Crosbie admitted that he may add to his squad this week but said he would only approach players that “will fit the dynamic of the team”.

The Hares travel to Saffron Walden in the league on Saturday. Striker Stu Anderson returns while Ben Collett will come in for absent keeper Marc Hipwell.