FA Cup - Halesowen keen to avoid banana skin

Sep 12 2008 By Nick Pullen

HALESOWEN Town will be hoping to avoid a huge banana skin tomorrow when they travel to Midland Combination minnows Meir KA in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round.

A total of 83 places separate the sides but the Yeltz are aware they can leave nothing to chance.

Spokesman Colin Brookes confirmed: “We have to make sure our attitude is spot-on and show them the respect they deserve.

“There will be shocks in store and we have to make sure we’re not one of them.”

Halesowen give a debut to goalkeeper James Russell who is on a three-month loan deal from Blue Square Premier side Stevenage Borough.

He replaces regular shotstopper Nick Bussey who starts a three-match ban.

Stourbridge are another Southern Premier side hoping to avoid a giantkilling when they host Rainworth Miners Welfare.

The Glassboys find their squad at full stretch with key players Craig Slater, Gavin Winsper, Nathan Bennett and Mark Benbow all missing.

Evesham United boss Paul West was looking to increase his side’s strikeforce ahead of their tough trip to BGB Midland Division leaders Leamington.

Mykel Beckley misses the game for Brakes with a gashed hand but Steve Palmer is close to recovery after injury.

Chasetown look to rekindle some of last season’s glory when they visit Gresley Rovers.

Having reached the third round last season, the Scholars realise they’re a big scalp and manager Charlie Blakemore admitted: “Everyone will be out to beat us now”.

Blakemore has injury worries to boot missing midfield players Ben Steane, Richard Batchelor and David Woodvine, together with defender Adie Smith, while striker Tony Onokah has flu.