WINCHESTER City co-boss Danny Robinson is not viewing tomorrow’s Sydenhams Premier showdown with Newport IoW as a “dress rehearsal” for the FA Cup.
City will host the Islanders two Saturdays running with the league showdown swiftly followed by a return visit from Steve Brougham’s men in the FA Cup second qualifying round on September 27.
Fourth-placed Port – voted SP club-of-the-month for August – are currently three points and four places above City, having played one game more, and Robinson sees tomorrow as a vital match in its own right.
“I don’t view it as a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup, it just so happens we’ve got two games in quick succession against Newport in different competitions,” he said.
“We’re eighth and it’s important we keep in touch with the teams at the top of the table.”
Winchester have been boosted by two appearances off bench from fit-again wide man Adam Roberts, but lose midfielders Liam Green (holiday) and Chris Manning (wedding) tomorrow.
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