Lymington & NEW MILTON boss Ian Robinson suspects the Wessex League is not quite as go-ahead as some people think.

After his trip to East Anglia sussing out tomorrow's FA Vase opponents, Bury Town, he reckons there is much to admire in the Eastern Counties League - particularly the growing trend for football schools (see story right).

"Both Bury and Mildenhall have massive strength in depth of youngsters because they both run football schools," said Robinson.

"The Wessex tends to think it's at the cutting edge of non-League, but the Eastern Counties have a lot of things we haven't," Robinson pointed out.

"They can name five substitutes, they have these football schools bringing through loads of young players and they seem to get more help at grass roots level.

"They play a good standard of football too. Bury won 3-2, but the two Mildenhall forwards were the best I've seen in non-league - ever. They had a cracking understanding. I came away really impressed."

An apparent gulf in refereeing tolerance also gave Robinson food for thought.

Whereas Downton's Jeff Softley was recently dismissed from the dugout for calling the referee a prat, Robinson said: "A linesman was called something far stronger by a Mildenhall player and he didn't even call the ref over. If that's the case, their clubs are never going to have as many players suspended as ours do .

"I know Winchester won the Vase last season, but they did it with a great squad. Ourselves and Newbury have more normal squads and can't afford to lose players suspended."

After their impressive 3-1 victory at Billingham Town, Lymington are 7/1 third favourites with Bet365 to lift the Vase, but 8/1 shots Bury will be no walkover.

Robinson said: "They're a good side who can match us all round the park, but hopefully we'll have enough to beat them.

"Concentration will be vital. Bury play at cracking pace, boshing the ball out early to the wide players. They caught Mildenhall cold after four minutes."

Linnets will make the four-hour trip to Suffolk today, stay overnight in Ipswich and follow a morning training session with a relaxed pre-match meal.

Somewhat surprisingly, they have had to get their hotel stay sponsored because the journey is not long enough to qualify for FA-funded accommodation.

"When Wroxham (Norfolk) came down to us, they qualified, but we don't," shrugged a confused Robinson. "We're expected to go there and back in a day.

"But if tomorrow's a draw, they're not expecting Bury to come to us on Tuesday. The replay would be Saturday. It's baffling!"

Linnets are again without the injured Paddy James but fellow frontman Michael Jackson returns from suspension.

Defender Paul Towler has had back problems, but the bigger doubt surrounds 19-year-old full-back Pete Smith, who has taken a knock on the leg.