Manager Martin Wilkinson is under no illusions as to the importance of Kidlington’s FA Vase quarter-final replay at home to Bowers & Pitsea tomorrow.
The two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time in Essex last weekend.
Either Morpeth Town or Bristol Manor Farm, who also play tomorrow after their initial meeting was postponed, await the winners in the semi-final, with a place in the final at Wembley the ultimate prize.
With the famous Wembley arch beckoning, Wilkinson said: “It’s a massively important match for the club and everyone knows it.
“I thought we did well in difficult conditions last weekend, but ultimately it wasn’t quite enough to win the game.”
But after coming through a rollercoaster clash in which they led 2-0 and then trailed 3-2, Wilkinson believes his side are better placed to deal with their Essex Senior League opponents this time.
“I think the players will benefit from the experience,” he said.
“We were well prepared and had told them what to expect, but I think the players will feel much more confident now that they know what they’re all about.
“The pitch was a massive leveller and stopped quality football from being played.
“We are a footballing side and I think we’ll have the opportunity to get the ball down and play on Saturday, which will benefit us.”
Striker Ryan Brooks returns from injury, after making a brief appearance in Tuesday’s 2-0 Bluefin Sports Supplementary Challenge Cup defeat to Rayners Lane.
TOMORROW’S SQUAD
Kidlington (v Bowers & Pitsea, home): from Warrell, C Weedon, B Weedon, Flanagan, Owen, Franklin, Brownhill, Odhiambo, Coyle, Gabbidon, Castle, Thomas, Willoughby, Quainton, Deabill, Brooks.
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