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Crunch time for shot-shy Town

Dandy Town skipper Tokia Russell hopes injuries and suspensions won't end his sides hopes of going one better and lifting the FA Cup this year, when they face Devonshire Colts in the first round of the FA Cup tomorrow at Police Field.

Missing the services of skipper Russell, Jared Peniston and Lashun Dill, the side will have to make due with what is in front of them, considering the loss of both Peniston and Russell with an already thin squad further depleted.

There will be no choice but to draft in youngsters to fill the void and Russell is hopeful his charges can get the job done.

"With Jared's red card and my injury we are looking a little thin at the back," said Russell. "Hopefully the young guys can pull it off and advance to the next round.

"I have no doubt about the ability of our attack, but our defence will be under pressure with a few people missing.

"We have a small squad so with injuries and suspensions things aren't looking to bright at the moment, but it can all change.

"Sunday will be interesting to see how we make out."

In Colts, last year's finalists will find a side brimming with confidence and looking to make a sustained run at the Cup they held in 2007.

The five-time holders have made a bit of resurgence under Keishon Smith and a win over their rivals will certainly define both teams' seasons, for good or worse.

Despite a mediocre start to the season by Town, Russell reckons the slump coming early in the campaign rather than later when they could be in a title chase is acceptable, although losing in the FA will leave the side with nothing to play for but the league.

It's not for a lack of effort in their matches, but rather bad luck in front of goal, something the skipper hopes will rectify itself this weekend.

"If we get knocked out on Sunday we will have nothing to play for so we need this victory to keep our focus and hunger for the season alive.

"Getting knocked out in this round wouldn't be any good for us considering we have lost the Dudley Eve and are chasing the league.

"But a win will give us life and focus for our next few matches.

"Our form doesn't say that we are inexperienced, we do have some young guys but our problems is goal scoring and each team will go in a slump.

"When u have what we have up front goals will come.

"We just need to put away our chances.

"Our season thus far is mediocre, we have had a few ups but a lot of downs.

"With that being said, I would rather us have our downs now at the beginning rather then the latter stages where you are competing for titles."

The other major clash of the day will feature Somerset Trojans and Southampton Rangers doing battle at Somerset Cricket Club, with one side having to deal with the idea of falling at the first hurdle.

The nine-time champions will go into the match slight favourites but shouldn't be overly confident considering Rangers have the ability to beat any side in the league at any given point.

In the remaining matches Robin Hood will put their 100 percent record on the line when they take on fellow First Division high flyers St. George's at BAA.

Hood have yet to concede a goal in five games so far this season, and will fancy their chances against a St George's side that likes to play open, attacking football.

Elsewhere X'Roads clash Prospect at Garrison Field, and Young Men's Social Club play Paget at Bernard Park.

Both all-Premier Division clashes begin at 2.30 pm, whilst the remaining matches will begin at 12.30 pm.