Pitchero Non League

Johnson Hippolyte

....encouraging league form into what expects to a challenging FA Cup match with Bognor Regis Town on Saturday at York Road.

Despite losing to Eastleigh last Saturday, Hippolyte would rather be playing Conference South matches at this stage, capitalising on the form which has taken the side into fourth in the table.

Hiipolyte, who has a habit of producing memorable cup runs with Maidenhead and Hayes & Yeading United, is nonetheless happy to be facing a Second Qualifying Round match this weekend.

He said: “In truth I would rather be playing a league game as we are in good form, but I love the FA Cup so am delighted to be involved again.

“It’s important for us to do well, try and win some money and get into a position to play a League team, as aways.

“Bognor are a good passing side. They play in the league below us, but I am not underestimating them at all.

“I know they play football the right way.”

Hippolyte said he will avoid the temptation of resting some players, but might give players who have not been regular starters a chance to shine.

“I might tweak the team a little,” he said. “Not because it’s the cup, but because six or seven of the players have played all the matches.

“I’ve got guys like Alex Wall and Lee Barney chomping at the bit to start. They have been scarily good in training.

“Martel Powell is another who played forty games for us last year, but hasn’t started yet because of injury, so there’s scope to make a few changes without weakening us.”

The Magpies boss does have some players on the physio’s bench, but is expecting them all to be fit for Saturday.

He said: “Leigh Henry, David Pratt and Lee Barney did not train on Tuesday, but they just have knocks and I expect them to be fit.

“I’ll be picking from a full squad apart from the long-term injured.”

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