GX Cup - Evesham get chance to stake claim
Oct 28 2008 by Colin Stoner, Birmingham Mail
EVESHAM United manager Paul West will challenge his players to stake their claim for the Robins’ biggest ever FA Cup-tie when they turn their attention to the GX Cup tonight.
West will make a number of changes to the side which booked a Cup first-round trip to Torquay United when Evesham entertain Gloucester City at St George’s Lane in the Southern League’s knockout cup.
Dave Adey is set to come in for goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan while the substitutes involved last Saturday’s shock win against Rushden & Diamonds will all start.
But West says the performances tonight could have a bearing in his side to face the Gulls in their first appearance in the Cup first round.
“I told the players last week when we played Bromsgrove in the Worcestershire Senior Cup that there were places up for grabs and Steve Hands and Steve Luckett seized their chance and played against Rushden,” said West.
“There will be changes against Gloucester but every player has the chance to be a part of Evesham history.”
Only skipper Steve Lutz is unavailable as he completes a three-match suspension. He can return in Saturday’s FA Trophy tie at Stourbridge.
New signing Harry Hambleton is set to make his debut for Stourbridge in their Black Country derby at Halesowen Town.
The 18-year-old forward has joined on loan from Tamworth.
Manager Gary Hackett, who will have one eye on next Saturday’s Trophy clash against Evesham United, says there will be changes for the league cup-tie.
Damien Whitcombe, who has been gaining match fitness after his broken ankle, is recalled to the Stourbridge squad but teacher Nathan Bennett is away with his school while Ashley Robinson is banned. Drew Canavan and Ash Langford join the casualty list alongside long-term absentees Adam Bastable, Paul Danks and Rob Taylor.
Halesowen are set to include former Dutch Premier League side Erik Hummel among a raft of changes. The midfielder, who has also played for Austria Vienna, has yet to stake his claim but manager Morell Maison is expected to utilise his 21-man squad.
Prices for tonight’s game at The Grove have been cut to £6 for adults and £3 for concessions.
