We're going down to Uckfield with plenty of confidence, says FC Elmstead boss Fabio Rossi

FC ELMSTEAD manager Fabio Rossi says it’s a shame that their FA Vase tie has been switched to AFC Uckfield Town tomorrow.

Oakley Road landlords Holmesdale wanted to play Combined Counties League Division One side Banstead in The FA Vase tonight, but their opponents declined the offer.

Silly really, especially as Bromley play National League leaders Dagenham & Redbridge around the corner at Hayes Lane on Saturday and that will affect the attendance at Oakley Road.

FC Elmstead then wanted to switch the game to either tonight or Sunday, but have been forced to play their Vase tie at their opponents ground on Saturday instead.

“It’s a shame that the fixture had to be reversed due to the complex situation of ground sharing but we are looking forward to the game,” said Rossi.

“We’re going down to Uckfield with plenty of confidence, even though we are missing a few key men due to injuries and one unavailable due to work.

“Uckfield are a step up so we expect a tough game. I don’t really know much about them.  We do know that one of their strikers, Stefan Joseph, will be unavailable due to suspension.

“I’ve never been to Uckfield so let’s see what we get. I really hope the pitch is good, so we can move the ball about quickly.”

Going into a game, especially with £800 up for grabs to the winner in FA prize money, not knowing much about your opposition or state of the pitch, is always dangerous and could come back to bite Rossi.

“It will be a proud day for the club. It’s only our second year in The Vase and it’s now all ground breaking news – we have nothing to lose!”

Rossi said his side “played really well,” during their 3-2 defeat at Lydd Town last time out.

The Bromley-based outfit go into tomorrow’s game sitting in eleventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table on 12 points from 8 games.

AFC Uckfield Town play one league above the Cockerels, eighth-place in the Southern Combination Premier with 13 points from eight games.

AFC Uckfield Town  v  FC Elmstead
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 24^th September 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Oaks, Eastbourne Road, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5QL