St Martins manager Daryl Davies is looking forward to seeing his side test themselves against higher-level opposition when Dawley Town Swifts visit Stans Park in the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup second round on Saturday.
The tie gives St Martins a break from their league campaign while presenting an opportunity to measure themselves against a Dawley side playing in the Shropshire County Football League Premier Division.
With fixtures coming quickly, Davies also has the option of making changes and giving other members of his squad minutes as St Martins look to maintain momentum while pursuing a place in the next round.
Davies said: “It’s a nice break from the league for us and a chance to make a few changes throughout the squad.
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“We know it’s a brilliant opportunity to get into the next round, but we fully respect it’s going to be a very tough game against a team from the tier above.
“We just need to focus on ourselves, keep doing what we’ve been doing, and hopefully that will be enough to get the result.”
The home side will also be hoping to make the most of playing at Stans Park, where strong crowds have backed the team this season.
St Martins have called on supporters from across the village to get behind the players as they attempt to overcome their visitors and continue their Challenge Cup run.
The club described its backing this season as "fantastic" and wants another strong turnout for a testing cup assignment.
The match takes place at Stans Park, St Martins, on Saturday with kick-off at 3pm.
While progression is the immediate target, the fixture also gives the management an opportunity to assess the depth available within the squad during a busy period.
Dawley’s status in the division above underlines the challenge facing St Martins, but Davies wants his players to concentrate on the approach that has served them so far rather than alter their game for the occasion.
Victory would send St Martins into the next round of the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup and provide a positive result as they turn their attention back towards league matters following the weekend.
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