FOOTBALL: Banstead v Arundel FA Vase preview

Mullets, who have won their last eight matches and are unbeaten in 10 games, face a Banstead side that were thrown in to turmoil at the end of October.

Their manager, Dave Leworthy, resigned on October 23, and a press release on their website said the majority of the first-team squad had departed with him.

However, Towers is refusing to let this affect the way Arundel approach the game.

He said: "We can't let their situation cloud our judgement on how we think of them as opponents, or our preparation for the game.

"It's when you start to doubt teams and think you're in for an easy game that can be your undoing. It is, from our point of view, a good time to be playing them but we need to go up there with the right state-of-mind.

"We won't take anything for granted. It's a big occasion and they could pick 11 players off the street but, as long as there is passion and belief, they could give anyone a run for their money.

"As far as I understand, they have a caretaker-manager in place, and I did hear their players were being pleaded with to think of the club and to go back to them.

"But we're optimistic. We have to be, especially after being awarded October Team of the Month by the league, and with our current form.

"There is always a danger in cup competitions, playing teams from different leagues, but it adds a bit more excitement. We just want to make sure we are in the hat for the next round."

Arundel received a huge boost on Friday when striker Matt Huckett, who had been sidelined with a career-threatening knee injury, was giving the all-clear to play again by doctors.

Towers said: "It could have gone either way for Matt. He was either going to be told he could never play again or that he was fit.

"I'm so pleased for him. It's great news as he's been through a lot. To get a player of his quality back is excellent and has given the whole club a big lift."

Defender James Crane returns to Mullets' squad. His England College trials last week saw him rested for last Tuesday's victory against

Pagham.

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