JOHN FISHER is desperate for a victory in the preliminary round of the Hellenic Challenge Cup tomorrow, but not for the reasons you might expect.
The Highworth boss wouldn't say no to a decent run in the competition, but more importantly he wants to avoid defeat at the first hurdle which would result in the club being entered in the much-maligned Supplementary Cup although Fisher tends to give it another name.
"We really have to win because there is no way I want us to be playing in that Mickey Mouse Cup again," he said.
That was the fate that befell Highworth last season following a defeat to lower league Purton.
A tricky trip to Tytherington awaits tomorrow another outfit riding high in the division below.
Said Fisher: "They have gone really well this season and everything is stacked in their favour. They are new to the league and are an unknown quantity. They have home advantage and the weather doesn't look too promising so the conditions won't suit us.
"People will be looking at this fixture as a possible upset but I would be very disappointed if that was the case."
Fisher has a full complement of players at his disposal, although striker Justin Miller has a slight hamstring strain following his recent ankle injury and will start on the bench.
Wootton Bassett travel to Tuffley buoyed by the return of their top scorer last season along with their leading marksman this term.
Forward Geoff Swatton returns after serving a two-month ban for violent conduct, while current top dog Matty Bennett is back after missing the derby defeat at Highworth last week.
Fairford start as favourites to progress at home to Easington. Neil Matthews is in contention after recovering from an ankle injury and Stuart Hodson is available after serving a 35-day ban.
But John Devoille is sidelined after having his tonsils out and Lee Stoddart has his usual Saturday work commitments.
Shrivenham visit fellow Division One West side Ross Town, but with the hosts' pitch currently under water, the match seems unlikely to go ahead.
If a miracle does happen, Michael Silvanus will not feature. The winger has a calf strain, while Martin Thomson left the club to join Stratton in the Wilts League. Steve Winchcombe is fit again after illness and Paul O'Connell is also back in contention.
Elsewhere in the competition, Malmesbury Vics have a tough tie at Almondsbury, but sternest test of the day is for Cirencester United who entertain Premier Division leaders Slimbridge.
IN the Screwfix League, Devizes travel to Frome in a dress rehearsal for their forthcoming FA Vase tie. Corsham travel to Bitton bidding to escape the Premier Division drop zone and Calne host Minehead in the First Division.
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