FA Vase first round preview (From This Is Wiltshire)

FA Vase first round preview

6:09am Saturday 4th October 2008

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CALNE Town boss Robbie Lardner has warned his players they face one of the toughest matches in the first round of the FA Vase when they travel to play Wessex League Premier Division side VT this afternoon.

Player-manager Lardner missed last weekend's game against Chard Town because of ilness, but is fit to return the squad today.

He said: "We're looking forward to the game, that's going to be a real tough game for us.

"They haven't lost this season and we're under no illusions, we're going to one of the toughest places in the competition.

"They are certainly a decent side. They have got a big reputation and a big wage bill, whereas we've not got such a big reputation or such a big wage bill.

"On their own ground they will be thinking it's a great opportunity to get to the next round.

"We're thinking we're going to have to perform really well. But we're going there with a bit of confidence and we want to keep the cup run going as long as we can."

Calne may have to travel to VT without Gary Banks, who is extremely doubtful, and Jake Jeffries will not play as he has gone back to university.

Steve Casey, Danny Jones and Matty Ralph will all miss out, so Calne could go into the match missing as many as five first team players.

"We've got a few injuries at the moment which isn't helping, but we've got to get on with it. You can't moan and groan about it."

Extra cup matches mean Calne are four fixtures behind some teams in the division.

Lardner said: "We're getting a little bit behind but we've got to live with that."

Frome Town v Tavistock

FROME Town will be boosted by the return of prolific striker Mark Salter for this afternoon's FA vase first round match against Tavistock at Badgers Hill.

Salter was unavailable for the midweek league game against Welton Rovers, which the Robins lost to end their unbeaten start to the season.

Melksham Town v New Milton Town

MELKSHAM Town manager Wayne Thorne has to wait for the outcome of a late fitness test on veteran striker David Seal before naming his line-up for today's game against New Milton Town at The Conigre.

Australian-born Seal is a doubt with a hamstring injury sustained in Monday's league game.

Sandhurst Town v Warminster Town

WARMINSTER Town could be boosted by the return of two players for their game at Sandhurst.

Centre back David Watkins will return and Ben Maddocks could also come back into the side.

Player-manager Jason Guy is also hoping to tie up the signing of Adam Lewis, the older brother of current Warminster player Greg.

It is believed Adam Lewis is considering playing village football but Guy is hoping he can convince him otherwise.

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