Absent boss to have an input in FA Cup tie

6:10pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

LAST season's FA Cup giantkillers Chasetown stand in the way of Evesham United and a place in the fourth qualifying round of this season's competition, writes Mervyn Collins.

After sending Port Vale crashing out, the Scholars played host to Cardiff City in the third round and it was the Welshmen who won 3-1 on their way to a place in the final against Portsmouth.

“We have already played and beaten two of the better sides at that level and all we can do is concentrate on what we are about."

Paul West

It was the second time in recent years that the Staffordshire side have made the headlines and their cup pedigree has again served them in good stead during this campaign.

However, the Robins defeated Charlie Blakemore's side 1-0 on their own patch during their knockout exploits and repeated the dose on their way to winning the Division One Midlands title last term.

Chasetown are one of the 16 clubs who have failed to get the better of Evesham at St George's Lane since New Year's Day and they will arrive for Saturday's 1.30pm start knowing that Paul West's side also boast a seven-match unbeaten record this season.

Engagement The United manager, though, won't be renewing his acquaintances with old rival Blakemore as he has a prior engagement at Hassan Kachloul's wedding in St Tropez.

West flies out this morning and has left brother Leon and Micky Brennan in charge of team affairs.

“Everything has been left in capable hands,” West admitted. “Leon and Mick are a massive part of the job that I am doing at Evesham but Saturday will be all about the players.

“I will be picking the team in collaboration with Leon and Mick and we should have a full strength squad to choose from.”

Mark Hands will come into contention after missing the midweek game with a groin problem.

“”It will be a very very tough game,” West acknowledged. “We have already played and beaten two of the better sides at that level and all we can do is concentrate on what we are about.

“Chasetown have done brilliantly in the past few seasons but I hope it’s our turn to make some headlines.”

Should Saturday’s tie end all-square after 90 minutes, the replay will take place on Wednesday night (7.45pm).

There’s news of two other United players with goalkeeper Karl Lewis has moved to Stratford Town.

Steve Luckett, meanwhile, who played a huge part in the club’s title triumph last season, has returned from a stint coaching in America and is expected to be available for selection later this month after a playing a couple of university matches.