Lancers buzzing ahead of FA Vase clash with Ampthill

Lancers host the South Midlands League side in the last 64 of the competition and Gander is dreaming of bettering their last 32 exit last year – although he knows his side face a tough ask to do it.

The visitors to Culver Road sit second in their division having lost just two league games all season, and Gander, who watched their match last weekend, said: “They have a decent side and are good going forwards – they’ll be tough opponents.

“Without doubt we are really looking forward to it. The whole club is buzzing, the players, the officials, we can’t wait.

“We’re in the last 64, want to be in the last 32 again and it would be great to get beyond that, but first of all we have Saturday to deal with.

“If we get through we’ll have to see who we are drawn against and see from there. Whoever you get at this stage of the competition it’s not going to be easy.

“We are not taking Ampthill lightly though, that’s for sure – but we are third in our league and have already beaten Guildford who were leaders of theirs.”

Lancing are looking in good shape ahead of the clash, under beaten in their last 10 games, while Gander and fellow joint manager Jason Rutherford have a virtually full squad to pick from.

Lee Deyner, however, has an ankle injury as does goalkeeper Matt Evans, although shot stopper Tony Di Bernardo is available.

Ben Lucas has also been on the bench recently after coming back from injury.

Gander added: “Everyone wants to play, which is what we like.”

Kick off at Culver Road on Saturday is 3pm.