Hadleigh United boss Stuart Crawford is relishing the chance to make up for lost time in the FA Vase following their home draw against Wisbech Town in the last 16 of the competition.

The Brettsiders progressed as far as the quarter-final stage last season and will look to at least equal that this year with a win over the Fenmen, who are no strangers to Hadleigh, having competed alongside Crawford’s men for several years in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

Wisbech, who have now transferred to the United Counties League mainly due to location and the chance of ‘a new challenge’, will provide stiff competition for Hadleigh – who received a bye into the last 16 – but Crawford is confident his side have got what it takes to progress.

“The draw is what we wanted,” said Crawford. “Being at home, particularly towards the final stages of the competition, is a big advantage.

“Wisbech are a good side and one that we know well but we’re in good form and are relishing the chance.”

Hadleigh reached the final eight of the Vase last season but were turned over by eventual runners-up Tunbridge Wells 2-0.

However, Crawford is confident his troops can erase those memories and go at least one step further this season.

“We didn’t turn up on the day and deserved to go out,” admitted the Hadleigh boss.

“That’s the beauty of cup games, you get punished for a sloppy 90 minutes.

“All the lads are stronger for that experience though and are all hungry to do better.

“It’s a big game and my players have been in situations like this before so won’t be fazed by the size of the game.”