Sporting starting to dream of a Wembley date
Sporting Khalsa boss Ian Rowe is dreaming of taking his side to Wembley after making it through to the last 32 of the FA Vase.
Rowe’s side won 4-2 away to Heanor Town to progress to the fourth round of the competition, where they will meet Eastern Counties Premier side Kirkley & Pakefield.
The Khalsa manager admitted Kirkley are an unknown quantity but after the weekend’s win, he believes anything is possible for his in-form side.
“Saturday’s result was superb,” said Lowe. “We had to battle the elements, the boggy pitch but the lads dealt with it great and it was a well-earned victory.
“I think on our day, we can give anyone a game. We are now only four games away from Wembley.
“It’s the sort of stuff that dreams are made of, and yes, our main aim is the league and promotion, but I’d grasp an appearance at Wembley with both hands.
“But we’ll take one game at a time, we’ve got to the last eight of the Vase before, if we can better that, it would be great.”
Gaz Singh grabbed a goal in each half before skipper Tez Robinson made it 3-1. James McGrady scored late to ensure it was Khalsa’s name in the hat.
Khalsa are back on cup duty this evening, as they travel to face Newcastle Town in the Staffordshire Senior Cup, in a game where Rowe will look to ring the changes.
“It’s a chance to get some minutes into the lads,” he said. “That’s what we do in cup competitions, I looked at it and I’ll make eight or nine changes to the team.”
“We’ve got a big squad. It’s important to keep the lads ticking over, so when they are called upon, they are not rusty.”
“It’s not only a chance to give some of the lads some much needed match fitness but it’s an opportunity for them to stake a claim.
“I have faith in all my squad, in any side that I pick. That’s what a squad is there for, to be there when they’re needed.”
Walsall Wood made it six wins in a row with a 2-0 victory at Lye Town in the Vase, to set up a trip to West Auckland Town. Goals from Stuart McNaught and Connor Deards secured the win for the Midland Premier League leaders.
Jake Evans’ penalty was the only goal of the game as AFC Wulfrunians overcame Haughmond in the Midland Football League Premier.
