Witney United boss Andy Lyne wants his FTL Futbol Hellenic League underdogs to enjoy the big stage when they entertain Blue Square South side Eastleigh in the second qualifying round on Saturday.
In their biggest game since the club formed from the ashes of Witney Town in 2002, a win would take Witney’s Cup earnings to £9,000.
Eastleigh, who boast Warren Goodhind – who made four starts for Oxford United in 2006 – among their line-up, have never beaten a side from Hellenic League level in eight attempts.
“We need to forget all the hype and psychology that people try to apply to these games,” said Lyne.
“Our aim is to play to the best of our ability and with maximum commitment and effort.
“I want the players to relax and enjoy the day. For most of them, it will be the biggest game they are ever likely to play in.”
Jamie Mills (groin) and Tom Butler (hip) miss out while JP Mills (groin) and Jack Smith (ankle) are doubts, while Dan Szczukiewicz is away.
Paul Powell returns from injury for Didcot Town when the Zamaretto Southern League side host Division 1 South & WestPaulton Rovers.
He has missed the last four weeks, but came through a reserve game unscathed.
Manager Stuart Peace said: “He’s had this problem with his back and that has affected his hamstring.
“But he played well on Saturday and is back in the squad “We have scored ten goals in two games and while I can’t say it will be the same against Paulton, it is a winnable game. It is also a losable game and we have to make sure we stick to the standards we have set.”
Matty Jack (unavailable) misses out, while keeper Michael Watkins has joined Uxbridge.
Oxford City boss Mike Ford says his players have to be on top form when they travel to Division 1 South & West leaders VT FC.
“There is a good mood in the camp,” said Ford, whose side are unbeaten in their last six games.
“We were nowhere near our best on Saturday (they beat Tiverton 1-0), but we still got something out of it, which was pleasing.
“We defended really well and dug out a good result with a nice finish from Lee Steele.
“VT are flying, so we have to make sure we are right.”
City are without Andy Ballard (knee), while Andy Baird (heel) is a doubt.
Craig Faulconbridge has joined Ryman Premier League Carshalton Athletic.
Abingdon United host Division 1 South & West rivals Cirencester Town.
Boss Andy Slater said: “We have scored 15 goals in our last three games, but we have also let in too many.
“It’s a massive game for the club. Having a good cup run can be the difference between scrimping and scraping, and having a comfortable season.”
James Faulkner is cup-tied, but Luke Holden returns.
Witney Utd (v Eastleigh, home): from Okole, Barrett, J Smith, D Smith, Henderson, Cattell, Byfield, JP Mills, McMahon, Lewis, Styles, Younie, Thompson, Johnson, Mays, Bridges, McNally.
Didcot Tn ( v Paulton, home): from Trott, Sampson, Stanley, A Williams, Powell, Hope, Mortimer-Jones, Heapy, Dutton-Black, Draycott, Bartley, Costello, Bridges, Brown, Hopkins, Bucknor, Harper, M Williams.
Oxford City (v VT FC, away): from Knight, Clarke, Perpetuini, Savage, Pond, Gunn, Bell, Malone, Baird, Brooks, Alexis, Steele, Janes.
Abingdon Utd (v Cirencester Tn, home): from Beames, Weedon, Brown, Organ, Peirson, Franklin, McCalmon, Goodrham, Merritt, Beechers, Haysham, Hunt, Osborne-Ricketts, Thorne, Od-hiambo, Holden, Mills, Elkins.
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