Quietly confident ahead of Trophy tester

7:15pm Wednesday 21st November 2007

VICTORY against a fourth team from a higher league this season when Redditch United visit St George's Lane on Saturday will add further lustre to what has already been a memorable campaign for Evesham United.

Southern League Premier Division sides Corby Town and Bromsgrove Rovers have already been sent packing by Paul West's men in this season's FA Trophy, while Halesowen were despatched 3-0 in the FA Cup.

>"Yes, we all want a brand new Mercedes but sometimes you have to settle for something with a bit of mileage on."

Paul West

Blue Square North Redditch, though, will be an altogether different proposition in the Trophy third qualifying round this weekend.

"The match speaks for itself and what it means to me being a Redditch lad myself," the United chief admitted.

"They have come a long way very quickly but they are a good side and have some excellent players. We will have to be at the top of our game but I am quietly confident.

"I know Gary (Whild) very well and he won't be taking us lightly as we've got a good record against higher clubs this season."

After resting seven players in midweek, West will send out a full strength this weekend with the exception of the injured Simon Fitter and Peter Wood, who is likely to join Stourport on loan.

The Evesham boss will have to choose between Daniel Lennon and James Knott for the striking spot alongside Mark Owen while Chris Charles, Tom Warmer and Joe Clarke will do battle for a place in midfield.

"Tuesday was a chance to give the fringe players a game and they didn't let me down," West admitted. "I don't like losing but that match wasn't a priority and I don't want to complicate things ahead of what is a very important match for the club on Saturday."

Former Evesham favourite Richard Ball has fallen out of favour at the Valley Stadium and isn't expected to feature while two more forwards, Damian Markman and Danny Spencer, are both ineligible for the Reds.

Ball, in fact, texted his former manager this week with a view to a move back to Evesham but wage demands ruled out a loan move for the contracted striker.

Another player who won't be featuring on Saturday is Jae Martin but Wes Joyce will come into contention for next Tuesday night's Division One Midlands clash at St George's Lane with Chasetown - providing Saturday's tie gets a result.

"I won't be pursuing Jae Martin but Wes is back with us and I am pleased about that," West admitted yesterday morning. "It was purely a football decision to bring him back. We all know about his past but Wes will be different this time.

"Yes, we all want a brand new Mercedes but sometimes you have to settle for something with a bit of mileage on."

Saturday's match is being sponsored by Clarke Roxburgh, Insurance Brokers of Evesham and the ball by John and Gladys Hawkins.

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