White ready for FA Cup clash with Staines

The magic of the FA Cup returns to Worthing for the third-round clash on Saturday in a 3pm kick off, for which Rebels are hoping for a bumper crowd.

Worthing earnt their home tie, having been taken to a replay by Kent League side in the previous round, but emerging 2-1 winners.

Victory on Saturday will not only seal their spot in the next round, but has the cash incentive of £7,500 for the winners.

Rebels manager White was originally hoping for a quiet week on the training ground with no scheduled mid-week game for his side until their 3-3 draw on Saturday with Crawley Down meant a replay in the FA Trophy game on Tuesday night.

White admitted it had thrown a spanner in the works and they only had themselves to blame, but said: “Tuesday was another game we won so that helps, and some of the lads prefer to play than train, anyway.

“We’ll have Thursday off now and won’t train, but we’re taking the lads swimming instead, so that gives us a chance to relax.

“It’s a big game and we’ll be up for it. I think we’ve got good players here and big player rise to big occasions and we’ll make a good account of ourselves.

“Obviously, they’ll be favourites, but they are struggling in their league and we are flying in ours, so who knows.”

Staines currently sit third bottom of the Blue Square South table having won just two of their 12 games so far this season.

Rebels’ player news, saw Mike Huckett on the bench last Saturday having recovered from injury, although he is very unfit, but will be in the squad for Saturday. Only long-term absentees Steve Davies and Alan Mansfield are unavailable.

White has also released defender and last year’s captain Tony Timms, due to his disciplinary record proving too much of a risk for Rebels.