BLACKFIELD & Langley are hoping to avoid another wasted weekend and get their FA Vase tie at Plymouth Parkway played at the third time of asking.

Having been left kicking their heels on successive Saturdays due to wet weather postponements, the Watersiders expected the delayed first round tie to be switched to Gang Warily on Saturday.

Instead, co-assistant boss Chris Farrell suspects Blackfield could be playing a waiting game tomorrow (Friday) just as they did last Friday when Parkway’s Bolitho Park pitch failed a 3.30pm inspection.

Farrell said: “I was under the impression that if a game is called off twice, it gets switched, but it turns out there’s nothing in the rules to say it ever has to be switched unless you apply to the National Game Board.

“We were told that if the pitch is unplayable again for Saturday, Plymouth can stage it at a ground of a suitable standard within 25 miles of them. But they would probably have had to postpone it earlier to get that arranged and, if Plymouth’s pitch is not playable, where else would be?

“If it’s called off again, we will just have to be guided by the FA, but they can’t expect us to travel in midweek.”

If it’s on, Blackfield can head to Devon in good heart after a 2-0 midweek win over Fareham, which moved them to within six points of the Sydenhams Premier summit with two games in hand.

Farrell, though, feels an improvement will be needed if they are to beat the South West Peninsula League side and book a second round Vase trip to Welton Rovers.

“I wasn’t there on Tuesday but, speaking to Glenn (Howes, manager), we didn’t play particularly well. We were in no great danger of losing but, with the exception of Joe Byrne who Glenn praised, we could have done better.

“Two weeks ago when we were supposed to play Plymouth Parkway, they were on a losing run. But they’ve just won a game (4-2 against Ivybridge Town) so that will give them confidence.”

Blackfield have a full squad available bar Jesse Gould and Hugh Dathan who both have glandular fever.

New in is goalkeeper Alex Hards – son of Neil, who led Winchester City to FA Vase glory in 2004.

“Alex is just back from Australia. Max Frampton was our only 'keeper and we needed another one. They're good competition for each other,” said Farrell.