FA VASE: Hullbridge Sports have called for a change in the FA’s rules concerning step five clubs after they were told they would have to travel to Norwich United tonight, as opposed to next weekend.

After Saturday’s FA Vase second round tie fell foul of the weather, Sports were hopeful the tie would be able to take place next weekend so their fans would still be able to support the team, and that the players would also be available.

However, the club has been told that the match must be played by Thursday with only ties from the third round onward about to be replayed the following weekend.

The club were also affected two years ago, after their fourth round tie with Sholing was postponed with the re-arranged fixture in midweek – although on that occasion it was the opponents who chose to replay the match in the week.

And Sports have now called on the governing body to change the rules.

“I’m gutted,” said Sports manager Rob Hodgson. “I played in the Sholing game on a Tuesday night near Southampton and it was poor. We didn’t have a full side and in some cases it was men against boys.

“It was disappointing the way Sholing behaved that year and I can’t believe the same thing is happening to us again.”

Should they win, Hullbridge have been handed a home tie with Eastern Counties Premier League side Stanway Rovers.

Bowers & Pitsea will travel to either Broxbourne Borough (Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division) or fellow Essex Senior League side Greenhouse Sports.

Basildon United were also drawn away from home, against AFC Dunstable, also of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.