Jarreau Hayward, the St George’s player-coach, expects a difficult outing when his side visit Vasco da Gama in the FA Cup first round at Bernard Park tomorrow.

Despite beating them 5-0 in their previous meeting, the 36-year-old believes this will be a tougher match and his team are dealing with a host of injuries.

“Vasco won’t be easy,” he said. “They have home-field advantage, so we must be prepared. We don’t expect a repeat of the score from the last game. Vasco are a quality team, so we are going to approach the game as we approach any others. We are going to try and give one hundred per cent. We want to see how far we are going to go in the tournament, but we are not looking past Vasco.

“We are dealing with a few injuries. However, we have strength and depth, so that shouldn’t be a problem. It’s an opportunity for other players to step up.

“We just have to put the last result against Vasco behind us. We know they are going to come harder, so we have to guard against complacency. We can’t look too far ahead of ourselves.

Recent history suggests that the First Division side could pose a threat in this season’s tournament. St George’s have eliminated a Premier Division side at this stage in each of the past three seasons. However, Hayward insists that his side are not looking too far ahead.

“Predictions are up to other people,” he added. “We know there are good teams all across the island, from First Division right up to the Premier. However, we are going to focus on this game.”

Hayward said St George’s do not have any specific ambitions this season.

“I would just like to see some growth, unity and camaraderie among the players; they are brothers and friends to me,” said the forward.

“We would like to get promoted, but the unity factor is more important.

Also tomorrow, Somerset Trojans are at home to St David’s. Trojans are going into the match in good form, unbeaten in their last five league matches.

Meanwhile, Robin Hood face Somerset Eagles, X-Roads take on Hamilton Parish, Devonshire Colts are at home to Flanagan’s Onions, followed by Cougars against North Village at the same venue. PHC Zebras host Boulevard to round out the FA Cup weekend, while Dandy Town have a bye.

First-round draw, page 25