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Brown warns against complacency

Coach Dennis Brown is looking for more commitment from his Wolves players

Having been on the receiving end of consecutive losses in their last two outings, Dudley Eve champions Wolves will go in search of some respite in this Sunday's FA Cup quarter-finals when they take on Somerset Eagles, themselves in something of a slump.

But unlike Somerset Trojans, dumped out of the competition by Eagles in the last round, Wolves coach Dennis Brown won't be taking his opposition lightly.

"I have coached many of their players in the past and I have first hand knowledge of them and what they can bring to the match," said Brown.

"Looking at them, they have some good players that we are very much aware of, so we will be taking the game just as seriously as if it were any other in the Premier Division."

Asked whether he felt his team held any advantage over their First Division opponents, Brown said: "Physically yes, which is mainly due to the fact that we are involved in competitive matches every weekend in the Premier Division as opposed to in the First Division where they don't play consistently at a higher intensity.

"I think we will have an advantage in that capacity. However, the game is played and won on the field and we won't be taking them lightly."

Wolves will enter the spacious confines of White Hill with Mark (Beaver) Ray expected back in the line-up to bolster an attack that includes the proficient Nakia Smith, Che Simmons and Jared Peniston.

And for added measure, the coach should be able to call on the reliable services of goalkeeper Corby Durrant.

With the Dudley Eve under their belt, Wolves should have acquired the taste for a bite at the bigger cherry, the FA Cup.

"I think we enjoy playing at venues like White Hill on larger pitches, so we should witness a very good match on Sunday," added Brown.

The coach was quick to reflect on his team's most recent performance against PHC Zebras, adding: "What I would like to see from my players is an improvement in their mental approach. During our last match against PHC we actually dominated the match for long periods, but we made a few mental errors in defence and it proved costly in the end."

In the opposing corner, giantkillers Somerset Eagles, despite enduring a slide of late themselves, will also be looking to stop the rot and add another major scalp to their already impressive collection. And coach Albert Dowling remains confident.

"We are prepared for Sunday," said Dowling. "Although we may not be as fit as them (Wolves), we should be encouraged by our sheer determination. That will definitely help to pull us through."

Eagles, renowned for their ability to stage late heroics, will again rely on marksman Lamaul Crofton, who spearheads an attack further complemented by Rodre Wilson, Musceo Hunt and the return of Jelani Butterfield from suspension.

"I expect another interesting contest on Sunday and we intend on giving them a good run for their money, " said Dowling.