Give me a home draw everytime: Laws

NEEDHAM Market manager Danny Laws is grateful for many things at Bloomfields right now.

A strong squad, good support, supportive committee, his team chasing trophies on four fronts.

But right up there with all those positives, he admits he will take a home FA Vase draw every time.

And on Saturday, Laws enjoys that wish, as his side entertain fellow Ridgeons League opponents Kirkley & Pakefield in the last 32 of the FA Vase.

In an ideal world, both Ridgeons clubs would have avoided each other until later in the competition, but that's not going to happen, and Laws is not concerned.

“Kirkley are strong opposition, of course they are,” Laws said.

“But we drew the holders Fylde at this stage last season, so that's the way it is.

“The main positive I take, is that a home draw in the Vase is an advantage. You only have to ask Lowestoft Town, who enjoyed all home ties on their way to the final.

“A home draw allows the whole of the club to be involved, it all impacts as an advantage and it is up to us a team and a club to take that advantage.”

Laws is also happy to be choosing from a full squad, including new keeper Danny Gay. A strong squad Laws knows, as an experienced coach, is key to success.

“Everyone is fit and we've been doing plenty of training,” he added.

“We have a strong squad and the facts of the matter are some big hitters are going to be on the bench or not even in the squad at all.

“But that's the way it will be, it's good for me and the club to have a strong squad.”

Kirkley & Pakefield sit in fifth place in the Ridgeons League Premier Division table - Needham are second - but Kirkley have played five less games than Laws' side.

Needham have already beaten Kirkley 3-2 back in October in a game described by many as one of the games of the year.

The game going ahead is rated 50/50. If it is postponed, it will take place either on Tuesday or Wednesday.