By ADAM LAZZARI MARCH skipper Luke Pepper said The Hares are full of confidence ahead of their toughest test of the season. They take on Ridgeons Premier leaders CRC away in the first round of the FA Vase on Saturday. CRC are Cambridge United s developme

By ADAM LAZZARI

MARCH skipper Luke Pepper said The Hares are full of confidence ahead of their toughest test of the season.

They take on Ridgeons Premier leaders CRC away in the first round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

CRC are Cambridge United's development squad and March will be the clear underdogs for the match at the Abbey Stadium.

But Pepper, who scored a 16-minute hat-trick in March's 4-2 Ridgeons First Division victory over Team Bury on Saturday, said the Fenland club would approach the first round tie without fear.

He said: "CRC are a very young, fit and technically good team; we always play well against teams that play this way.

"It will be a tough test but we have to approach it with confidence. We played them in the Cambs Invitation Cup last year and took it to extra time. We'd be happy with a draw and a replay. Playing at the Abbey Stadium will be a great experience for us. It is a good pitch and it should be a decent game."

March found themselves 1-0 early on in Saturday's win over Team Bury but responded quickly and went on to dominate the first half.

Man of the match Pepper equalised on 14 minutes after being set up by Ash Brand's pass following a slick move.

Brand set up Pepper for his second soon after and the skipper completed his hat-trick with a penalty on the half-hour after Denny Escorcio was brought down by the 16-year-old Bury goalkeeper.

Escorcio then had a goal ruled out for off side before the break.

The second half was a scrappier affair but Brand made the points safe when he chased a through-ball and slotted home to make it 4-1.

The visitors grabbed a consolation in the closing minutes after a goalmouth scramble.

The match saw last season's under-18s goalkeeper James Mortlock start between the sticks for March due to an injury to Chris Anker, who will be leaving the club later this month.

March have now won four of their opening six league games.

Pepper said: "We're not even play that well but still getting positive results. In the past we've always had to play at our best to win games but now we're scrapping away and digging out victories.