AFC Telford United head for the coast this weekend as they step up their pre-season preparations with a fascinating fixture against FA Cup giantkillers Havant & Waterlooville.
The Bucks make the long journey to Hampshire to play the side who captured the public imagination with their cup exploits last season.
Having knocked out eventual League One champions Swansea City, the Blue Square South side then led Liverpool twice at Anfield before bowing out 5-2.
The cash earned from those games has enabled the Hawks to invest heavily over the summer in some big name signings - with former Portsmouth men Guy Butters and Luke Nightingale and ex-Brighton star Charlie Oatway top of the list.
“I think it will be a good test,” said Telford boss Rob smith. “They’re a top quality side and I’ve said to the boys that that will be as hard as the Nottingham Forest game (which Telford lost 4-1) in many ways.
“They had a terrific season last year and made a lot of money (from their FA Cup run). That has enabled them to make some cracking signings.
“If we’re not at the races we’ll get done again, and the main thing is that we go down there and give a response to Wednesday.”
Tomorrow’s game could mark the return of left-sided defender Asa Charlton, who has not featured since undergoing surgery in the close season.
And Smith has positive news on wing-backs Lee Vaughan and Simon Forsdick (knee ligaments) - though neither will be involved at Havant.
“Asa’s got a chance of getting some minutes and Simon Forsdick would have been a possible too, but he can’t come because he’s at a wedding,” Smith revealed.
“He might be involved on Monday and Lee Vaughan’s not a million miles away, though he’s banned for the cup games next week.”
Matty Lewis and Gary Fitzpatrick are unavailable.
The Bucks will be staying in Hampshire after the game for a team-bonding night.
“I always like to go to the coast for one pre-season game and get all the lads together for a night,” Smith added.
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