Rovers prepare for week of cup opportunities

Tuffley Rovers take a temporary break from Hellenic League Premier Division action this week, as they look to make progress in two separate cup competitions.

After an entertaining draw at Windsor on Saturday, Mark Pritchett’s team will travel to face Division One (West) side Malvern Town on Tuesday, with both sides looking to secure a quarter-final place in the Banbury Litho Floodlit Cup and the Rovers Player/Manager is expecting a tough challenge against a team who have recorded some impressive results during the season, to date.

“I’m really looking forward to the game and the opportunity to visit a new ground”, Pritchett said. “I’m expecting a very tough game, against a side who are doing well in their league, who did well in the FA Vase and who have already beaten a few Premier Division sides in cup competitions this season.”

After a patchy opening 45 minutes at the weekend, Pritchett scored a superb, long distance strike to earn his side a point at Windsor, although they might have stolen all three points after a second half performance that was full of positives.

Youngsters Adam Bloomfield and Jerry Idowu, who were both substitutes at Windsor, will play for the U18s at Cinderford on Tuesday, in order to get game time, but Pritchett does expect to have Lewis Bainbridge and Ben Prictor available again for selection.

This will be the first of two cup fixtures in five days, with Rovers due to travel to Gloucestershire County League side Hardwicke in the GFA Challenge Trophy on Saturday.