Billy Whizz's Wonderboys are set to open their National Cup account tonight, with Billy Whizz set to name a strong side, despite a difficult trip to fellow Division 4 team Harwood Villa.
Villa have been solid in their league so far this season, and sit in 7th place, with 24 points, and Whizz admits his side will have to play well to progress to Round 3:
"It's another opportunity to test ourselves against a Division 4 side, and it's a game that neither side will be really looking forward to. There were plenty of easier teams in the hat, but we've got Villa, and I'm sure it will be a close affair"
Last season, the Wonderboys were knocked out of the Cup in the 1st round, and although Whizz acknowledges that the league is his side's number one priority, he is hoping that his side can make some progress this time round:
"Last season the cup passed us by, and while our number one aim is to stay in Division 4, it would be nice if we could get through a couple of rounds. If we win tonight, it's unlikely we'd face another team as tough as Villa for a few rounds, so in that respect it would be disappointing if we were to lose"
"We're putting out our best team, and that's a bit of a gamble of course, because injuries can always happen. However, we want to give it a real good go out there tonight. If we lose and Leese is out for 10 games, I'll hold my hands up, and admit it was a mistake. But I think we can win, so we're not going to name a mickey mouse side"
Defensive midfielder Florent Tessadri is likely to return to the side following his injury, replacing Achilles Wielgas, while the suspended duo Matt Hawthorn and Phillipe Konz will sit out the game. Lewis Moody could deputise at left back, while Morten Fribo will continue to play left wing.