Wongers setting sights on retaining Challenge Cup

Last season the Wongers ended their campaign by lifting the cup at the expense of Brigg Town Reserves, winning 7-6 on penalties after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Lincoln Moorlands.

Boss Stones believes that victory gave his side a platform to build on this season, and is keen for a repeat.

“I think it gave the lads a bit of extra confidence going into this season,” he said.

“We’ve really stressed the importance of commitment, being available every Saturday and training hard every week.

“We’ve always said that if the lads give us that then we believe they can win things.

“I think winning the Challenge Cup last year showed the lads what they can achieve if they put the work in.

“And I think another trophy this year would show them again.

“The league’s out of our hands now, but we’re desperate to win a cup and give us something more to build on and reinforce that message.”

Wyberton recorded a 3-2 victory over Town at The Causeway in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League earlier this season, but Horncastle will hit the road prepared.

“As fare as we know, we’ve got our strongest squad available and that gives us a few headaches,” Stones added.

“It’s tough picking the team when it’s like that, but we’ll do what we think is right for the team.

“The whole squad are up for it.

“We’ll train extra hard this week and make sure everyone is sharp.

“We’ve got some decisions to make, whether we play one or two up front.

“If we play one up front, like we did when we beat Rustons and Skegness (Town), then someone will miss out.”

The match will kick off at 2.30pm.

Town and Wyberton were due to meet in the Supplementary Cup semi-final at The Causeway on Saturday, but that match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The tie has been re-arranged for April 7.

“It was frustrating because even on the morning of the game we were hoping it would go ahead,” Stones added.

“It’s one of those where you are just wishing it goes on.

The postponement means that both sides have only played once since February 24, and both will be desperate to return to action with a vital victory.