New Mills boss Dave Birch ‘disappointed’ by FA Vase bye

The winners of Brigg Town and Winterton Rangers will travel to Church Lane for a second-qualifying round contest on October 10.

"I'm happy about the home draw, a little bit disappointed we got a bye," Birch said. "The game we could have initially played would have been on September 19, our first game. So it puts us back a little bit.

"The bye is good in some ways but I was looking forward to a competitive game.

"I'm really happy with the home tie, couldn't have asked for more really."

Birch has fond memories of the Vase, and would love another good run.He continued: "I think the Winterton or Brigg is a tough tie for us, but we'll be prepared.

"It's a big competition for us, the Vase. It's something we want a good run in and to get further on the competition.

"I played in it myself at Curzon Ashton and got to the semi finals."It's a fantastic tournament so it'll be something we try to have a decent run in. hopefully."

New Mills will have to wait more than a month for their first competitive fixture now the North West Counties League have announced their divisions will kick off on October 3.

The Macron Challenge Cup and The First Division Challenge Cup competitions have been suspended this season due to the later start date.

"The reason behind the delay, for some teams in the league there's been a few local lockdowns and a couple of teams have had to stop training and preparation," Birch added. "The league, to be fair to them, have done it the right way. They're holding off until everyone gets a fair crack of the whip."

When action does get underway, the club will have the added bonus of facing newcomers FC Isle of Man.

"That'll be absolutely brilliant, I cant wait for that one," Birch said.

"It's great news they've been allocated into a league. It's good to be part of a historical event, their first ever team in a league.

"I believe if you play midweek away they'll be coming over for travel reasons, but if you get them away on a Saturday you're flying over.

"For teams at our level it's unheard of, a journey like that."