March Town out to make more FA Vase history against Takeley in last-64 clash

March Town are out to make more FA Vase memories when they host Takeley in the Third Round on Saturday.

Having reached the last 64 for the first time in the club's history last month, the Hares hope to continue their historic run by reaching the last 32.

A huge crowd is expected at Goodfellows Lane as Ash Taylor's side looks to put their poor recent league form behind them against their Essex Senior League visitors.

Looking ahead to the big game, Taylor said: "I've still got every belief in this group of players and that they can deliver on Saturday.

"It is what it is right now and we've got to be better, the players know that.

"I've got to look at a few things, I know that, and we need to decide the best approach to go into the game with on Saturday.

"It's going to be so difficult. They're a good side who are competing right at the top of their league and they've had some great results."

Takeley are currently third in their league with 12 wins, four draws and two defeats from their 18 games.

In the Vase they beat Romford 3-2 in the Second Round, having previously knocked out Woodbridge Town away on penalties after a 2-2 draw, Barking 3-0 away and Hutton 3-0.

The dangermen for March will be Jack Mitchell and Jordan Wescott, who have both chipped in with nine goals this season while Lanrewaju Ayomide Balogun has seven.

The Essex outfit warmed up for Saturday's visit to Cambridgeshire with a 1-0 home win against Benfleet and have kept clean sheets in their last two outings.

"We know it's going to be a challenging game, but we want the big games as a club and hopefully we'll get a really good following here," said Taylor.

"I'm sure we will and we just need to step it up a lot from today to give ourselves the best chance of making the next round."

March won 3-2 at Biggleswade United last month to progress to this stage and previously won 4-2 at Coggeshall Town, beat Mulbarton Wanderers 3-0 at home and Dussindale Rovers 5-2 at home.

The Hares will be without the cup-tied Harvey Henderson and Toby Allen while defender Jack Sunders will be serving a suspension.

"We knew when we brought Hendo and Toby to the club that they'd played in the FA Vase already, that's something we were already aware of.

"We've got a strong squad, we've just got to look at what we feel is the best way to play against Takeley and pick the best team.

"I still have nothing but belief in these players. They are all good players and wouldn't be here if they wasn't.

"We just need to work on that aggressive and physical side of our game which I feel has been lacking lately.

"Our squad will still be strong on Saturday, even with the missing players."

There are no replays at this stage, with draws going straight to penalties without any extra time.

Winning clubs in the third round will collect £1,125, while losing teams will also take home £350.