Walsham-le-Willows joint manager Chay Budd heaps praise on young side after FA Vase victory

Walsham-le-Willows joint manager Chay Budd has heaped praise on his young squad after they progressed to the third round of the Isuzu FA Vase for the first time in the club’s history on Saturday.

The Willows travelled to Eynesbury Rovers where they ran out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Ethan Garcia, Sam Nunn, Jack Brame and Charlie Norman to spark scenes of jubilation on and off the pitch.

“We always felt in control and that we could do something against them. We can always open teams up and I was pretty confident that we’d get the win. I didn’t think we’d win as emphatic but we deserved it and it could have been more,” said Budd.

“I’m very proud. It’s been a work in progress this season. We lost a lot of players in the summer and we had a complete rebuild of the side.”

Joint managers Budd and Ian Hubbard have both waxed lyrical over two of their young goalscorers at the weekend: Garcia and Norman.

Last week, Hubbard described the duo as ‘flair players’ as Budd said: “There’s quite a bit of pressure on them but they are becoming to be recognised as our better players. They’re extremely talented lads.

“We’re definitely lucky to have them at the moment.

“I don’t want to put their names up too much but I hope, maybe after this season, someone comes and has a proper look at them because they are mega, mega talented. They deserve opportunities to play at Step 4 or Step 3, they’re that good.”

The history-making victory at the weekend has earnt the Willows a home tie against White Ensign who ply their trade in the Essex Senior League Premier Division. The game is set to take place on Saturday, December 2.

On his side’s third round opponents, Budd said: “I’m not sure if we’ll have the advantage or not. I don’t know anything about them, whether it’s too far for anyone to go and watch them, but we’ll see. It’s not a bad fixture but I don’t know what their standards are like.”

After an evening of celebration, in which Budd admitted there were ‘sore heads’ that came out of it, Walsham have been preparing to return to Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division action tomorrow when they travel to Ely City (3pm).