HIGHWORTH boss John Fisher has likened tomorrow's Wiltshire Senior Cup clash with Bradford Town to 'Newcastle versus Yeading all over again.'
It's fair to say that the Hellenic League leaders start as huge favourites against their Wiltshire League counterparts but the underdogs currently top their table and should not be taken lightly.
Fisher will show due respect by fielding a full-strength side, but he's not expecting a cup upset.
"We'll put out our best team because this is a competition we want to win," he said. "We want to win every competition we can this season.
"But we are on a hiding to nothing because everyone expects us to win it's Newcastle versus Yeading all over again.
"Bradford are top of the Wilts League so they are obviously a decent side, but that said I will be very, very disappointed if we don't win."
Counterpart Mark Hodgkinson conceded that the odds were stacked against his Bradford team.
"I know Highworth are a good side and we will be going in as the underdogs," he said.
"Hopefully if we get promotion from the Wiltshire League we will be going in the Screwfix so it will be an opportunity to see how the lads fare against a top Hellenic club.
Bradford are at full strength, while Highworth will give tests to midfielders Shaun Terry and Paul Cooper, both of whom are carrying ankle injuries.
Justin Miller has been ill this week but should be given the all clear to play.
Like Bradford, Cricklade face a mammoth task at Melksham.
Manager Graham Jackson has no availability worries ahead of the trip but recent inactivity could prove a problem.
He said: "We haven't played a game this year, in fact we have played twice in eight weeks so let's hope the lads are not too rusty.
"Obviously Melksham are a decent side and are in mid-table in the Screwfix Premier.
"We will give it a good go and you never know."
Calne's home tie with Wessex League whipping boys Downton looks routine enough, but Kelvin Highmore will be taking nothing for granted after losing to the South Wiltshire outfit in the FA Vase last year.
"We were pitiful that day, absolutely embarrassing," said Highmore.
"So we will be looking to put one over on them definitely, but it's not exactly our priority this season that remains the league."
Former Supermarine goalkeeper Paul Haines is set to make a cameo appearance for Calne, with usual No 1 Gareth Evans cup tied after playing for Melksham in the previous round.
Danny Jones is suspended and Glenn Armstrong is doubtful after suffering with a migraine all week, but Darren Smart returns from his groin strain.
Jamie Lyons and Scott Lye are the only absentees for last year's beaten finalists Corsham as they entertain Peswey Vale.
The young pair are at England under 18 trials, while Alex Griffiths has recovered from flu and be should fit to play.
Manager Nobby Bush has no other selection worries ahead of the game and will be expecting to stretch the club's magnificent 12-match unbeaten run.
In other second round ties, Malmesbury Vics entertain Bemerton and will be in confident mood after a thumping 4-0 league win over Adderbury Park last weekend.
Wilts League Marlborough will do well to get anything at Screwfix outfit Westbury United, while Hellenic One West leaders and current cup holders Trowbridge are odds-on favourites to progress at Amesbury.
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