MANAGER Terry Anderson says his Coventry United side will be fit and raring to go ahead of Saturday’s FA Vase meeting with Abbey Hulton United.
The Red and Greens will have been out of action for a month come this weekend’s encounter, having last turned out in the 2-0 victory over Lye Town prior to the second national lockdown, but can now make a long-awaited return to the pitch against the North West Counties League Division One South outfit.
While Coventry make their first appearance in this season’s competition on Saturday, it will be Abbey Hulton’s fourth fixture in the Vase – having seen off Shawbury United, Ashby Ivanhoe and Racing Club Warwick, following a penalty-shootout victory – in reaching the second-round stage.
The tie offers a welcome escape from the downtime caused by the suspension of the season, with the Midland League making the decision to set back the restart date of all fixtures until December 19 at the earliest – which would make the trip to Highgate United the next league outing for Coventry.
With £900 on the line for the winning side and a place in the last 64 of the competition on the line, Anderson is confident that his players will have done their utmost to prepare for the clash at Butts Park Arena.
“The lads have been given fitness programmes to keep them fit and ready for the FA Vase game on Saturday,” he said.
“It is a shame that the league is suspended, but it is for everyone’s safety and that is the biggest priority.
“We hope to get back and playing in the league from the 19th, and hope we can see the fans over the Christmas period so they can have something to cheer about.”
