ALRESFORD Town manager Richard Luffman hopes the FA Vase can act as a springboard for his side’s season.

The Magpies enter the competition in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday, when they will travel to fellow Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division outfit Newport IOW, and Luffman admits it is an important game for his side.

“The FA Vase has become more important for us because of what has happened in the last six to seven weeks,” said Luffman.

“It has been a tough start and we have had more injuries than I have ever experienced. We haven’t been able to have a settled 11, and it has been difficult as we haven’t had any consistency. We are starting to get bodies back, but it’s not perfect.”

Despite the injuries Alresford sit in a respectable 11th place in the Wessex League Premier Division table, but Luffman is hoping for better.

“We’re a bit behind where we want to be,” said Luffman.

“We beat Portchester and Sholing in our first two games of the season, but we need to find our feet again.

“The Vase got us going last year and we would like to go a couple of rounds further this time.

“Newport have good support and play good football, and it’s a tie both sides will feel they can win.”

Horndean and Petersfield Town are also in action in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

The Deans face a trip to Knaphill, while the Rams will travel to Hamble Club.