Pilgrims aim to make progress

The FA Cup

Boston United travel to Southport in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, hoping to cause an upset at Haig Avenue (kick-off 3.00pm).

Following home qualifying victories over Glapwell and Stamford, the Pilgrims have been handed the toughest draw possible at this stage of the competition by being paired with the current Blue Square North leaders.

Southport are leading the way, having suffered just one defeat in league action this season, although the Pilgrims will take heart that the defeat arrived on home soil against Alfreton Town.

Boston boss Tommy Taylor has a number of injury worries to contend with. Skipper David Farrell will not figure against the Sandgrounders after sustaining a groin injury during Wednesday’s defeat to Hednesford Town.

Liam Green is also carrying a knock and is a serious doubt, while Danny Matson is both injured and cup-tied.

As a consequence, youth team players Aaron Butcher, Alex Beck and Mitchell Griffiths will all travel to Southport on Saturday, especially with seven substitutes permitted in FA Cup action.

Looking ahead to the cup tie, Taylor told bufc.co.uk: “We have been the overwhelming favourites in the past two rounds, so it’s our turn to take on the role of the underdogs.

“Hopefully that will allow us to go to Southport and play our own game and see where that takes us. This is no pressure on our players, but it would be fantastic if they could can an upset and book a place in the fourth qualifying round.

“With Chris Wright’s departure and two or three injuries, we are a little light in terms of team selection, but hopefully the lads coming into the squad will do themselves justice and stake their claim for a regular place.”

The Pilgrims will don their all-blue away strip for this FA Cup tie.

There will be full updates here on bufc.co.uk throughout Saturday afternoon, including team news from 2.00pm and live updates from 3.00pm, plus a full match report within minutes of the final whistle.

If a replay is required, the match will be played at the Staffsmart Stadium on Wednesday October 15, kick-off 7.45pm.