Shane Wardley and Neil Calver both have plenty of FA Vase memories.

Shane Wardley and Neil Calver both have plenty of FA Vase memories.

The Hadleigh duo played in two of AFC Sudbury’s three FA Vase finals – against Winchester City and Didcot Town – both ending in defeat.

And both were on the scoresheet against Didcot at White Hart Lane, Tottenham in 2005 in a 3-2 defeat.

The memories of those Vase runs are still vivid for the pair, who are hoping tomorrow to guide the Brettsiders to victory over Welwyn Garden City in the last 64 of this season’s competition.

Hadleigh are flying high at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division and Stuart Crawford has assembled an experienced and talented squad.

“We’ve got a good squad and a good team spirit,” said Wardley.

“Let’s put it this way, I’ll be disappointed if we don’t win the title and there is no reason we can’t have a good run in the Vase.

“Last year we had a good run (to the last eight before losing at Tunbridge Wells), but we then fell short.

“Our team spirit wasn’t as good then as it is this season and we have a better all-round squad now.

“Last year I felt we perhaps had too many individuals.

“I don’t see why we can’t have a good run again this season.”

Boosted by the signing of former Southend United striker Tes Bramble, Hadleigh have upped their game even more in recent weeks, Bramble proving a prolific scorer in his few appearances so far – something Calver acknowledges.

“Tes has proved a great signing,” said Calver.

“It’s not just his goals, but his hold-up play, the way he moves into space, his overall game.

“Having an experienced team is good and could prove important.

“I’ve had some good times in the Vase and it would be nice to have another good run.”

Hadleigh played in midweek against Ipswich Wanderers in the Red Insure Cup and won 5-3 after extra-time in a re-arranged match they could have done without with such a big Vase tie on the horizon.

Welwyn Garden City meanwhile sit in fifth place in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One and have lost five league games this season.

With Step Five being the highest level of football allowed in the Vase, Hadleigh have a real chance of making great progress in a competition that has it’s final at Wembley Stadium.