Poulson gives FC Stratford a double mission

FOOTBALL

DAVE Poulson will urge FC Stratford to view tomorrow’s home clash with Bartestree as the chance to book their place in the Les James Challenge Cup quarter-finals – and to fire a warning in the promotion battle.

Despite a dip in form in the last couple of weeks with defeat at AFC Solihull to follow a draw at CT Shush, Poulson’s men remain among the promotion contenders in the Midland League Division Three while Herefordshire side Bartestree occupy second place behind runaway leaders GNP Sports.

And manager Poulson sees the cup-tie last-16 clash at the MoodChimp Stadium as the opportunity to bounce back and send a message of intent to their rivals.

“The league is the priority but this cup game is one to look forward to,” said Poulson.

“We’ve had a little blip but I’m confident we will bounce back,” said Poulson.

“We’ve not been badly but the simple fact is we’ve not taken our chances.”

Poulson says the return of midfielder Nick Cox, who has out for two months through injury, will be a huge positive. He has been ruled out since damaging his ankle in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup to Bewdley Town on October 17th .

Though he was in the squad against AFC Solihull, medical advice suggested another week’s recovery would serve him better.

“Nick makes a big difference when he plays and he gives Dean [Poulson] more freedom from the centre of the park,” said Poulson. “It’s a piece of the puzzle that has been missing.”

Defender Ashley Knights is also expected to be in contention.