‘We couldn’t have had a tougher draw’
Pete Stiles reckons Fareham Town could not have been handed a tougher assignment as they aim to make FA Vase history.
But the Reds boss is adamant his squad are not fazed by the size of challenge that awaits them in the third round at unbeaten Western League Premier leaders Plymouth Parkway, writes LEWIS MASON.
Fareham have the chance to write history by reaching the fourth round for the first time ever.
Stiles' side have already equalled the best ever run in the competition by getting this far.
They must now overcome last season's Vase quarter-finalists.
'We’re not going to be fazed by it, that’s for sure,’ said Stiles.
‘My players won’t be fazed by playing anyone and they’ve got a real determination to win.
‘We’re not going there to make up the numbers and get beat.
‘It’s a real tough game, we couldn’t have got a tougher draw.
‘I’ll just tell them what I tell them every week - to go and win.
‘It doesn’t matter about the history and all that sort of stuff, it’s going to make no difference, it’s just a really tough game.'
Stiles is expecting to be without 'three or four' of the squad that beat Helston last weekend.
But he is tight-lipped regarding the players he could be without.
He added: 'The trouble is we’re not going to be at full strength which is disappointing - we’ve got one or two injuries and a couple of unavailabilities.
‘But what we have got is a squad looking to go down there and win.
'I’m not saying (who’s out). I can’t say because it determines which way I play, so I’d rather not say. I don’t want to give anything away to the opposition.'
Fareham are aiming for their third Vase win on consecutive Saturdays since the lockdown restrictions were eased.
They followed up a 4-1 home win against Roman Glass St George by beating one tier lower Helston 2-0.