NEW COLLEGE manager Mark Teasdale is hoping that his youngsters will have an extra spring in their step when they take on rival academy outfit Cirencester Town Development this weekend.

College are fresh from securing their first-ever victory in the FA Vase this week and the student side were forced through 240 arduous minutes of play to get past Fleet Spurs, with Teasdale’s men eventually triumphing 4-2 in Tuesday night’s first qualifying round replay in Hampshire.

Max Slinn netted twice as the scores were level at 2-2 going into extra time, with the Sydenhams League hosts already down to ten men after having a player shown a second yellow for an alleged stamp.

Christy Millar then popped up with a goal in either half of the added period to secure a second qualifying round clash with Thame United next month for College, who only entered the competition for the first time last season.

“It’s our first win in the FA Vase and it’s really important in my mind because back when I played for Trowbridge Town, we got to the semi-finals (against Guiseley in 1991) and were one game away from Wembley,” said boss Teasdale.

“I know that this is only one of the preliminary rounds and we’ve got a long way to go but it’s a big step forward and hopefully the players can take a lot of confidence from it.

“We want our lads to get experience of playing in important games like this one and hopefully move on to bigger and better clubs in the future.

“This Saturday is our local derby against Cirencester and it’s a big one for us.

“But we’re going to need to put out two sides this weekend because the South West Counties season gets started and we’ve got a side going down to Weymouth – a few players may drop down but we’ll have to see what’s available to us.”

Central defender Ben Wells returns for Saturday’s trip to rivals Cirencester after missing Tuesday’s Vase victory through work commitments.

Elsewhere in the Hellenic League Division One West, Purton make the trip to Lydney Town this weekend.

Meanwhile, Fairford Town boss Gareth Davies will be relieved to see his side finally return to league action.

Fairford were beaten 3-0 by Roman Glass St George in the Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy on Wednesday night and have also been occupied by FA Vase and Faringdon Memorial Cup commitments in recent weeks but Davies’ men are back in Division One West action on Saturday when North Leigh United visit Cinder Lane.

The Fairford chief said: “The cups are nice and it’s nice to try and pick up some money in the Vase and (FA) Cup but they can be a distraction.

“We don’t want to fall behind too much in the league and we had one eye on the North Leigh game when we played on Wednesday.”

Ryan Welland is injured for Saturday’s game but Jordan Cobb returns to the Fairford squad.