FAIRFORD Town will be hoping to make an impression in this year’s FA Cup despite losing 2-1 to Abingdon in their Hellenic League Division One West opener in midweek.

Gareth Davies’ men now turn their attention knockout competition matters where they visit Combined Counties League side CB Hounslow United - but Davies insists they will approach the game just like any other.

“We’ll just prepare as we do for any game and as long as we look after ourselves and I think we will give a lot of decent sides a run for their money this year,’’ said the Cinder Lane chief.

“It (the FA Cup) is not only good for the club, if you have a little run in the cup then there is a couple of bob to be earned.

“All the clubs at this level would say the same, it is just about trying to get a few quid for the club and if you can do that then you never know where it might lead to.

“A decent run in the FA Cup and the Vase goes a long way when it comes to the morale of the squad.’’ Davies is boosted by the fact he will have new signing Paul Holmes available for selection and believes he could be a handful for tomorrow’s opponents.

“The squad we will have tomorrow will probably be different to the one we put out on Tuesday.

“The cup is a good chance for us to rotate the squad and get everybody some game time.”

“Our new signing Paul Holmes didn’t play on Tuesday night but he will be in the squad tomorrow, he is decent.”

“Teams from London way, are usually big and strong so Paul will be good for that as he is a handful.”

Fairford aren’t the only local side in FA Cup action this Saturday, Paul Braithwaite’s Royal Wootton Bassett Town will be hoping to put an opening-night Hellenic Premier defeat to Carterton on Wednesday behind them as they face Andover Town (3pm).

Highworth are also involved in cup action, Jeff Roberts’ men hosting Tadley Calleva on Sunday afternoon (3pm).