While Eastbourne United have been left in the dark ahead of their FA Vase Fifth Round showdown with Morpeth Town this Saturday, their opponents have been sunning themselves in Qatar.
Morpeth managed to escape the floods for some warm weather training ahead of the postponed tie last weekend but United boss Simon Rowland admits his side's preparations have been hampered by the poor conditions.
He told TheFA.Com ahead of his side's home tie: "It's been a lot trickier than it has been for Morpeth. We haven't had the luxury of going to the Middle East in 80 degrees heat.
Eastbourne United v Morpeth Town
The FA Carlsberg Vase
Fifth Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 22 February
The Oval, Eastbourne
Winners receive £2500
By Matt Proctor
"We managed to train at the back of our pitch in pitch black conditions last week, which was good to get rid of the cobwebs.
"We had a good run - we managed to find a quarter of the pitch that hadn't been covered in water. For sure, preparations have been a bit difficult."
Morpeth may have enjoyed their time away in Qatar but Rowland does not believe such a break gives the Northumberland side any real advantage.
He added: "I doubt that it's going to be 80 degrees heat at the Oval on Saturday.
"I don't remember the last time Qatar got any rainfall. It was probably more a reward from the sponsors to the players, rather than actually making strong preparations for the game. It's great for them, but it's all for show really."
This is the first time since 1979 that United have reached this stage of the competition and while Wembley may be on the horizon, Rowland has urged his side to keep their feet on the ground.
"I can't look past one game," he said.
"We've got Morpeth - we've done our homework on them. We're as prepared as we probably can be going into the game, and then if we win on Saturday we will have a look at the next round."
