TOMORROW’S opponents have not been beaten in more than two months - but Wisbech Town boss Steve Appleby has declared that his Fenmen fear nobody in this season’s FA Vase.
Providing they beat the weather, Gornal Athletic, who sit fourth in Midland Football Alliance Division One, will host Appleby’s troops in the fourth round tomorrow.
The Peacocks have not lost since November 6, but Appleby, who had his squad training in the snow at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium on Tuesday night, plans to ruin that golden run.
“I don’t want to sound over-confident, but we don’t fear anybody,” he said. “We will beat any team at this level on our day.
“We’ve got to go there with big hearts and stand up to a very strong side. Standing up to them in the physical battle is key - there will be no questions over our footballing ability.”
The Fenmen enter the showdown in good form themselves after plundering 10 goals in their last two games.
Goals from Deakan Napier, Ollie Gale, Scott Johnson and a Chris Bacon brace helped Wisbech crush Thetford Town 5-1 in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division on Saturday.
It was the Fenmen’s second successive 5-1 win, after they hammered rivals March Town United in the Cambs Invitation Cup quarter-final, and Appleby thinks that postponements have kept his side fresh.
“The rest seems to have perked us up,” he said. “There was a real zip about our football in the March and Thetford games.
“We’re hungry at the moment and we definitely want the game to be on tomorrow. We’ve got that spring in our step.”
Wisbech, who were knocked out of last year’s FA Vase at this stage by eventual winners Dunston UTS, have already seen off St Ives Town and Thackley in this season’s competition.
Gornal’s Vase scalps include an 8-1 crushing of Coventry Sphinx and a 1-0 victory over Boston Town in the last round.
Appleby said: “I’ve spoken to the Boston boss in-depth and we know quite a bit about them. A bit of knowledge doesn’t hurt, but we must play our own game.
“I think it hurt us last year when we went out to the winners, especially as we were so close to beating them.
“But that has helped us this year, because it’s given us belief. It proves we can win a competition like this.”
The suspended Chris Bacon is Wisbech’s only absentee tomorrow, with captain Paul Cousins fully fit.
The Fenmen have been drawn away to Cambridge City or Great Shelford in the semi-final of the Cambs Invitation Cup. However, should Shelford progress, the tie will be played at Wisbech as they do not have floodlights.
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