Wisbech Town joint boss Dick Creasey says he is under no illusions about the size of the challenge that awaits his side when they travel to Hadleigh United in the FA Vase 5th round on Saturday.
In the Fenmen’s first 5th round appearance since 1997, they face a side which is 15 points clear in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.
Creasey said: “It is a massive game for us. We are under no illusions about the size of the task ahead of us.
“They are 15 points clear in their league for a reason - they are a very good side.
“But there is a good spirit in the dressing room and everybody is looking forward to the game.”
Wisbech warmed up for the FA Vase showdown with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with runaway United Counties League leaders Spalding United at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium on Saturday.
Ex-Tulip Tony Battersby put Wisbech ahead on 15 minutes - he blocked a clearance from Spalding goalkeeper Michael Duggan before chasing down the loose ball and blasting past the scrambling keeper.
Mark Jones levelled for Spalding on 61 minutes - Lea Jordan saved Chris Hall’s strike but the ball fell nicely for the alert Jones, who slid home.
Creasey said: “It was a half decent performance but we could have finished it off and we didn’t.”
The Fenmen have been boosted by the return of popular defender Jon Fairweather to the club after an unhappy two month spell at Spalding.
Fairweather said: “The main reason for going back was to enjoy my football. Injuries didn’t help but I was frustrated at the lack of game time at Spalding.
“I’m very close mates with the Wissy (Wisbech) lads and just felt that’s where I needed to be to enjoy myself again.
“I suppose I did miss being around Wisbech. It’s a great club with brilliant fans and the lads are like family. I wouldn’t say it was a mistake leaving to join Spalding but I definitely didn’t appreciate what I had at Wissy.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back, I’m looking forward to the next couple of months, and the gaffers’ plans for next season are promising too.”
Creasey is thrilled to welcome Fairweather back to the fold.
He said: “I understood the reasons why he left and stayed in touch with him. When I got an indication he was not happy a couple of weeks ago I moved quickly.
“He is a good footballer who plays the game the right way and with the right attitude. We are delighted to welcome him back.”
Fairweather goes straight into the squad for the Hadleigh game.
Callum Reed is also available after missing the last three weeks, but Callum Stocks and Lea Jordan are cup-tied.
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