THERE is no chance of Hadleigh United catching a financial cold this season even if they don't enjoy a long run in the FA Vase.Steve Jay's side entertain fellow Ridgeons League First Division Debenham Leisure Centre tomorrow with the manager having a budget at his disposal for the first time.

Elvin King

THERE is no chance of Hadleigh United catching a financial cold this season even if they don't enjoy a long run in the FA Vase.

Steve Jay's side entertain fellow Ridgeons League First Division Debenham Leisure Centre tomorrow with the manager having a budget at his disposal for the first time.

It has taken over a decade for Hadleigh to get their house in order money-wise after overspending in the season when they reached the last 16 of the competition before losing at Metropolitan Police.

“There are too many people these days that have their fingers on the button,” said Jay.

“But I do have a small budget this season, which is nice.

“If we win the players get some reward, if we lose they do not get a penny still.

“Hopefully they will pick up enough for a couple of drinks or so tomorrow.”

Jay does not hide away from the fact that gaining promotion to the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League is his main priority.

He went on: “It was hard to take last season when we just missed out.

“I was wondering why for a number of weeks afterwards, and then the reason came and smacked me in the face.

“We did not have enough quality.

“I had players who would run through a brick wall for me, but we did not have enough quality to complete the job and get us promoted. I have put this right in the summer with a number of signings.

“I don't care whether we finish first, second or third, I just want a top-three place, and we have started off well enough - already being in the top four.”

Hadleigh beat Ipswich Wanderers 6-0 in the previous round while Debenham edged out Stowmarket Town.

“I would prefer to play a team from another league in the Vase and go into the unknown, but you have to take what comes your way,” added Jay.

“We were flattered by our scoreline against Wanderers and it will be interesting to pit our wits against Debenham.”

Darius Laws damaged an ankle against Newmarket last week and is expected to be out for eight weeks.

Kris Rose is a big injury doubt while defender Mark Porter is serving a one-match ban. On the plus side, Dean Tournay-Godfrey is back after holiday.

Felixstowe and Walton United visit Holbeach, while Leiston could not have received a more irritating tie - away to fellow Ridgeons League title chasers and FA Cup survivors Wroxham.

Whoever wins that game will surely have much easier ties in the rounds ahead.

A number of Suffolk Senior Cup games have been postponed because of involvement in the Vase.

In the Ridgeons League, Whitton can move up the Premier Division with a win at Haverhill, while last season's FA Vase semi-finalists Needham Market will be keen to get back to winning ways at Woodbridge Town.