Horndean boss Birmingham: 'We can’t afford to get into an arm wrestle with Westbury’

Michael Birmingham has warned Horndean they will have to be at ‘their very best’ they want to keep their 100 per cent home record going against Westbury United.
Liam Bush could return to the Horndean squad for this weekend's FA Vase clash with Westbury. Picture: Keith WoodlandLiam Bush could return to the Horndean squad for this weekend's FA Vase clash with Westbury. Picture: Keith Woodland
Liam Bush could return to the Horndean squad for this weekend's FA Vase clash with Westbury. Picture: Keith Woodland

The two sides meet in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase at Five Heads Park (3pm) with the Deans having won all four of their home games so far in 2020/21.

Both teams go into the tie in good form - Horndean are third in Wessex League Premier and Westbury are second in the Western League Premier with just one loss in eighth games.

It is a tie that is hard to call.

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'Both clubs will regard it as a tough draw,' said Birmingham.

'We know that Westbury are a big powerful outfit that are good going forward.

'They play a narrow game defensively and know how to do it.

'We will have to be at our very best and hope they have a little bit of an off-day.

'One thing we can't afford to do is get into an arm wrestle against them.

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'Having said that, we will need to stand up to them and match their work-rate.

'It will be down to us to play with no fear and make sure that we move the ball around.'

Deans will wait on a fitness test for Robbie Taw with Louie Martin and Liam Bush possibly ready to return.

Tommy Tierney is ruled out after rolling his ankle at Bashley a fortnight ago.

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'Working our socks off is the bare minimum we need,' said Birmingham.

'Even when you don't play well, there is no excuse for not putting in the effort.

'What has pleased me most so far is the never-say-die spirit in the team.

'That was something we lost last season.'

Horndean first entered the Vase back in 1980/81, and the furthest they have ever been is the third round.

They reached that stage in both 2012/13 and 2017/18 before losing to Wessex rivals Blackfield & Langley and Hamble Club respectively.