Steve Claridge believes Salisbury’s FA Vase semi-final with Hereford is a tie which would have been fit for the Final at Wembley.
The former Birmingham City and Leicester striker is manager and part-owner of the Wiltshire club, who have swept through The Vase this season whilst also dominating the Wessex League Premier Division.
Hereford FC v Salisbury FC
The FA Vase
Semi-Final first leg
3pm, Saturday 12 March 2016
Edgar Street, Hereford
Winners receive £6000 from prize fund
Click here for fixtures
But despite scoring a remarkable 36 goals in their eight Vase ties so far, Claridge expects his side will meet their match over the two-legged tie with Midland League high-fliers Hereford.
"I think people will have the same feeling, that the best team will probably win over two legs," admitted Claridge, on hearing Monday’s draw.
"And that doesn’t always happen when it’s one leg. One game can be decided on a bit of luck, someone hitting the post or bar and it not going in.
"But over two legs, it’s a bit more tactical and gives both teams the correct time to apply themselves and show their true colours."
Claridge also expects tickets for the two games, with Hereford’s Edgar Street hosting the first leg and then in the second tie at Salisbury’s Raymond McEnhill, to be in high demand.
And it’s because of both clubs’ fan bases that the 49-year-old believes this tie would have been better suited for The FA Non-League Finals day at Wembley in May.
Both Salisbury and Hereford are aiming for a place in The FA Vase Final at Wembley on Saturday 22 May
"I think to be fair, taking my manager’s hat off and putting my part-owner’s hat on, if we were both to get to Wembley, we might have got 20 or possible 30 thousand there," said the one-time Weymouth boss.
"But we have two games here where we could probably sell the tickets two or three times over.
"Both occasions, at both grounds, will be packed out and both teams will take big away followings so they will both be magnificent occasions.
"We’re thoroughly looking forward to it and we’ll both fancy our chances. I’m sure there will be a great welcome for us [at Hereford], as there will be for them here."
Tickets for The FA Non-League Finals Day, which includes the Trophy and Vase Finals on Sunday 22 May, are now on sale.
You can be there to see BOTH games at Wembley with tickets costing £25 for adults, £10 for concessions and just £1 for Under-16s. Call 0844 826 2010 or click here to buy tickets.
