Casuals coach hopes for that approach from Bels

THE FletcherSports Guernsey FA Cup kicks back into action tonight. The Track is the venue for the first quarter-final clash between the Clubhouse Casuals and Belgrave Wanderers.

The Casuals have made their way to the last eight after two comfortable victories in the competition, 5-1 against PriceWaterhouse-Coopers and a 3-0 victory over Collins Stewart in the last round thanks to goals from Simon di Meo, Jim Elliott and Rob Newton.

But they will have to do without Newton for the Bels match as well as Adam Kitching and Mark Babbe.

Casuals coach John Beasley is looking forward to the game despite the three players being unavailable and having a disrupted build-up over Christmas.

'Everyone is just so pleased to be where we are,' he said.

'They've all enjoyed the campaign, but realistically we're not looking to get past the next round.

'We've only had a couple of five-a-side practices and a friendly game last week that involved just five of our cup side, so who knows what will happen against Bels but they're all a pretty fit bunch anyway.

'We're hoping to avoid a total massacre and maybe that 'Budlo' will have has his eyes on the Priaulx campaign instead and will rest a few of his main players.

'But overall the lads are looking forward to the atmosphere on the night. They're all used to playing in big games if not usually in football.'

For Casuals captain Mark Elliott it will be his last game in the competition whatever the scoreline as he leaves the day after the game for the start of the skiing season.

'The match will be a good experience for the guys. They've worked so hard to get here and now they've got the chance to play against the best team in the Channel Islands,' he said.

'For some it had been five or six years since they had played football but they got their touch back quite quickly and have been getting better and better.

'We'll be going out there to enjoy it. Bels have been good enough to rearrange the game for us and you never know we may be able to spring a surprise.'

* The remaining quarter-finals take place next weekend with a doubleheader on Saturday involving Rovers against Specsavers and Vale Rec against St Martin's, as well as a Sunday meeting between Longport and North.