IT'S an indication of the recent contrasting fortunes of the two clubs that Corsham Town go into tomorrow's Wiltshire Senior Cup tie against Trowbridge Town as firm favourites.

Five years ago Trowbridge were in the Dr Martens League and would have been expected to walk all over Corsham, who were then in the Wiltshire League.

Now, however, after their demise and subsequent formation of a new club it is Trowbridge who are playing in county football, while Corsham are enjoying their third season in the Screwfix Direct League First Division.

Trowbridge manager Alan Roberts is looking forward to the cup derby, and says: "This is the second biggest match since the club reformed."

At the end of last season, Roberts took his side to Southbrook for a game they had to win to claim the Wiltshire League First Division championship. They won the match, and this game is the next most important in the new club's 18-month history, says Roberts.

"Everyone at the club's been looking forward to this one since the draw, but especially now, because we haven't played for three weeks," he said. "We've shown pre-season that, although we got beaten, we can hold our own against Screwfix Direct League teams."

Roberts accepts that his side are underdogs, and while he would love to progress in the tournament, he admits that it will be extremely tough.

"They are a very good team. They look comfortable in their league and are where we want to be. All I can ask is for my team to give 120 per cent.

"If they do that and get beaten by a better team, then so be it. I won't complain as long as they all do their best."

The derby will be a test of how far Alan Roberts' side have come, and he is pleased with the progress so far.

Corsham chairman Colin Hudd said: "I wonder whether Corsham have ever started as favourites against Trowbridge.

"But that said, we will not be under-estimating them. They have built up a good side and have several players with Screwfix Direct League experience."