Hobbs frustrated by new Vase rule

PLYMOUTH Parkway manager Lee Hobbs feels it is better to be drawn away in this season’s FA Vase with the weather not just threatening today’s third round clash with Fareham Town, but their participation in the event, writes Stuart James.

Parkway’s Bolitho Park has come in for some heavy treatment from the elements in recent weeks and their second round clash against Newton Abbot Spurs was played on a mud bath. Despite that game being two weeks ago, it has shown little improvement and the recent heavy rain has not helped either.

If today’s game is postponed, then the rules state that Parkway have just eight days in which to fulfil the fixture.

It could be played in midweek, but the likelihood is that their Boxing day trip to Tavistock – whose game at Buckland is also in doubt this weekend, such is the severity of the forecast – may have to be called off with both clubs playing their Vase fixtures on Boxing Day instead.

“It kills you,” Hobbs said. “You know it is going to cause you problems. We had some good news last week with the league resuming and then with the Bristol clubs moving into Tier two, but now it’s silly season and up to the weather.

“We have to get the game on, otherwise we lose the tie. I have said all along this year, once I heard the rules, that you are better off being the away team this year because 1) your travel is being paid for and 2) there is no burden on you to get games on.

“And lo and behold, every Cup game we have had this year, we’ve been at home! Last year, we were away every time! It’s sod’s law.”