FA Carlsberg Vase

WITNEY United boss Andy Lyne has called on his players to seize their big chance when they travel to Derbyshire to take on New Mills in the delayed FA Carlsberg Vase fourth round tomorrow.

Victory for Witney would put them in the last 16 for the first time and earn a home tie with either Northern League side Norton & Stockton or North West Counties League outfit Bootle.

Witney reached the fourth round last season, only to lose 1-0 to eventual semi-finalsts Lowestoft.

And Lyne, whose team won 5-1 over Highworth Town in midweek said: “All teams at our level have struggled to train properly during the enforced break, so match fitness, or rather the lack of it, will be the same for everyone.”

Witney will be without captain John McMahon (suspended) and Jack Smith (ineligible), in an otherwise full-strength team.

Lyne added: “We had our best run in the FA Cup this season and made some decent money from it.

“We have done likewise in the Vase.

“For us to reach the last 32 of this competition for two years in a row is a great achievement.

“Like all clubs at our level, we are struggling financially, and would benefit greatly from staying in the competition as long as we can.”

Witney are running a supporters’ coach, leaving the stadium at 8.30am on Saturday.

Tickets are still available priced £15 for adults and £10 concessions.

Call Ady Bircher on 07824 999119.

Witney Utd (v New Mills, away) from: Tassell, Okole, D Smith, Henderson, Cattell, Butler, Szczukiewicz, JP Mills, Styles, Harper, Wickens, Odhiambo, Thompson, Younie, Byfield, Bridges.