No panic from Yaxley boss as local clubs get on the FA Trophy trail and seek FA Vase victories

Confident Yaxley boss Andrew Furnell (right).

The Cuckoos have conceded 22 goals in their last three competitive matches, most recently during a 6-2 defeat in Division One Central of the EVO Stik Southern League last weekend,

But Furnell remains confident his side will survive what was always going to a tough season, the first in the club’s history as a step four side.

“Individual mistakes have been killing us,” Furnell stated. “We’ve been playing very well, but errors have been creeping into our game and at this level they tend to be punished.

“At Cambridge we equalised twice and at 2-2 with 25 minutes to we looked the most likely winners, but we got intercepted when passing square across the middle a couple of times and it cost us.

“It was always going to be tough at this level for us. We are now a very small fish in a very big pond and survival has always been the aim. We are still getting used to the pace of the game, but I’d be more worried if we were getting outplayed every week and we’re not.

“We’ve been competitive in every game we’ve played and even the Cambridge players remarked what a good side we are as we walked off the pitch.”

Centre-back Sam Spencer could return to the Yaxley side in tomorrow’s FA Trophy tie at Corby (October 13). He’s been out of action all season with a serious knee injury.

Fellow Evo Stik League sides Peterborough Sports (home to Cambridge City), Stamford AFC (at Belper), Spalding United (home to Carlton) and Wisbech (home to Kidsgrove) are also in FA Trophy action on Saturday.

Stamford have signed midfielder Lee Garvie from Corby Town. Wisbech have signed Toby Hilliard and Eoin McQuaid from King’s Lynn.

It’s FA Vase action for United Counties Premier Division sides Holbeach United (at Biggleswade United), Deeping Rangers (at Newmarket) and Peterborough Northern Star (at Sleaford).

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 13

FA TROPHY

Preliminary round: Belper Town v Stamford, Corby Town v Yaxley, Peterborough Sports v Cambridge City, Spalding United v Carlton Town, Wisbech Town v Kidsgrove Athletic.

FA VASE

First round: Biggleswade United v Holbeach United, Newmarket Town v Deeping Rangers, Sleaford Town v Peterborough Northern Star.

FUTURE LIONS UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One: Bourne Town v Huntingdon Town, Thrapston Town v Blackstones.

THURLOW NUNN EASTERN LEAGUE

Division One North: March Town United v Norwich CBS.