Charlie's looking for edge

Sep 30 2008 By Nick Pullen

LAST season’s FA Cup giantkillers Chasetown are facing a fight to stay in the competition this time around.

The Scholars were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow BGB Southern Midland side Rothwell Town and travel to Northamptonshire tonight for the replay.

Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore said: “We should have completed the job Saturday but we lacked a cutting edge in attack.

“A few of the players appear to have stepped off the gas, which is something I’m not prepared to accept.

“We need to be more ruthless, so as a result there will be changes.’’

Blakemore has ruled out key players Ben Steane and Richard Batchelor through injury.

He had hoped to have Dave Woodvine back in contention but the full-back broke down in a weekend reserve team game and has been ordered to rest.

The winners will travel to either Nuneaton Town or Evesham United in the third qualifying round.

Both sides meet tonight at Nuneaton following Sunday’s 2-2 draw.

Evesham manager Paul West will insist on an improved showing and said: “We weren’t at the races on Sunday but we have to keep faith”.

West will wait on the fitness of his former Kidderminster Harriers striker Gary Hay before naming his side.

Stourbridge also make an unscheduled trip to Northamptonshire where they replay against Brackley Town after Saturday’s game finished 1-1.

Glassboys boss Gary Hackett accepted Saturday’s showing will count for nothing and said: “We had our chances but couldn’t finish.

“We need to be more clinical in front of goal.’’

Hackett has injury doubts over strikers Callum Martin and Lyndon Dovey but helicopter pilot Ryan Broadhurst is available.

A trip to Boreham Wood is in store for the winners.

Elsewhere, Halesowen Town have been drawn at home to Maidstone United, AFC Telford travel to Dulwich Hamlet or Hendon, while Tamworth entertain East Thurrock United.

Southam, the lowest ranked club left in the competition, replay at Atherstone with West Country side Chipstead awaiting the winners.