BOSS Les Jones has urged Malvern Town to make the most of their wider pitch as they prepare for their FA Vase second qualifying round replay against Birstall United.
The Hillsiders will take on the East Midlands Counties League outfit again tonight (Wednesday – 7.45pm KO) after the two sides drew 2-2 after extra time on Saturday (September 24).
Malvern fell behind inside five minutes after Jamie Smith’s own-goal before Nathan Hughes equalised 12 minutes later.
Dave Reynolds then nosed Malvern ahead in the 74th minute but the lead only lasted a matter of seconds as United levelled instantly.
Despite an extra 30 minutes the two sides could not net a winner with Jones admitting his side failed to make the most of their chances.
However, he is confident the Hillsiders will be able to utilise their attacking style of play on their own and much wider pitch at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
He said: “It’s unfortunate that we have to play a replay because we just about shaded the game it in terms of possession and creating chances but we could not finish the job off.
“Birstall were a very hard working team and I believe if you put them in our league (West Midlands Regional League Premier Division) they would be a top half side.
“Our aim now though is to impose our attacking game on our bigger and wider pitch. Hopefully this exercise will suit our style of play more than them.”
Dene Whittal-Williams (ankle) will miss the game after picking up a knock on Saturday while Louis Loader, Chris Parker and Sam Rathbone remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries.
Aaron Richards is set to return to the starting 11 after serving out his suspension.
Should Malvern progress, they will entertain Northern Counties East League Premier Division outfit Worksop Town on Saturday, October 22 (3pm KO).