Leighton still have the Vase to cling on to

The Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division season may have been curtailed but Leighton Town are still clinging on to their Wembley dream.

The Football Association confirmed last week that the 2020/21 season at Steps 3 to 6 had been curtailed with no further league fixtures to be played after a consultation over a number of weeks with clubs.

However, the FA have confirmed that this season’s FA Vase is set to continue and all clubs still involved should be preparing to resume playing in early April.

And that is music to the ears of those at Leighton after they reached the last 32 of the competition before matches were suspended late last year.

Leighton joint-manager Joe Sweeney confirmed the club are now preparing for a proposed date of Saturday, April 10 for their home tie with either Guildford City or Walton & Hersham.

And he is hopeful they can give their supporters something to “cling on to”.

“I prefer to look at the positives because there is so much negativity around,” Sweeney said.

“We are fortunate because we are still in the FA Vase, we are in the last 32 which is great and it’s four wins from Wembley so we are focusing on that.

“We are planning for April 10 for that third-round game to be played so we are busy.

“We need to try to get some friendly games in but obviously we can’t do anything until March 29 so it’s not going to leave much time.

“We are the only Spartan League team left in it, so with Step 4 clubs shut for the season, trying to get friendly matches won’t be easy.

“But we are trying to get things going with the boys doing some bits at home.

“I guess we are fortunate to have something to cling on to.

“The hope is that if we can get through the next round and we get into the later stages then it may give the fans a chance to come and see us.

“The Vase run last season really captured the imagination so we have a glimmer of hope and that’s what we are hanging on to.”