GODMANCHESTER Rovers’ general manager Karly Hurst is calling on the town’s residents to come and support their team in the FA Vase this Saturday.

Hurst, who is the brother of the club’s joint manager David Hurst, says the Eastern Counties League side is getting great support this season, but that this Saturday’s second round proper tie against Bloxwich United is a chance for the community to see the team make history.

“Our gates are up, we are averaging just over 100 at each home game,” he said. “But this is one of the biggest games we have been involved in for quite some time, certainly since we moved to Bearscroft Lane.”

Bloxwich play in the Midland Combination Premier League which is a step below Godmanchester, who play in Division One of the Eastern Counties League.

And with Rovers in fine form and sitting third in their division, the team has a great chance of winning their way through to the last 64.

“It’s a wonderful chance for us to be one of the last 64 teams in the competition,” said Hurst. “That would be brilliant.

“I want the people of Godmanchester to be excited about this – come out and get behind the team.

“And let’s see some old faces at the game too – there are plenty of former players in the area, it would be great for them to come back to the club and give the current players their support.”

Godmanchester beat Long Melford 5-1 last Saturday with returning striker James Hall scoring two of the goals. Hall, 22, joined St Ives Town during the summer but returned to his former club two weeks ago and has now scored three goals in two games.

Hall’s goalscoring return is timely as prolific marksman Paul Bass will be missing after picking up an injury against Long Melford.

“Losing Paul is a real blow to us,” said Hurst, who is co-manager with Nev Nania. “He has been nursing a knee injury and he will be a big, big loss.

“He is certainly out until after Christmas and he may even be out for the season if they decide he has a fracture.

“That would be terrible news – for him and for us. Paul is the kind of player who wants to play every game.

“It’s a shame because he and James Hall are a good combination up front – with James returning it was like we had our missing link, but we have a good squad and we’ll be okay without Paul.”

Hurst also confirmed someone had been across to Walsall to watch Bloxwich. “They are a good side – they have had a few injuries but their form has improved as players have returned,” he said. “They had a good run in the Vase last year so they know what it’s all about – but we’re confident that we have the players to beat them. It’s going to be a cracking day.”