East Preston hope to build momentum in cup matches

Action from East Preston's clash with Chichester City. Picture by Tommy McMillan

East Preston are facing two cup matches in the space of four days as they look to get their season up and running.

Bob Paine’s side welcome SCFL Premier Division rivals Eastbourne United in an FA Vase first round qualifying clash on Saturday, before making the trip to Pagham in the Peter Bentley Cup second round on Tuesday.

East Preston have won just one of their opening six matches in all competitions to start the new season, with boss Paine targeting an FA Vase run to give his troops a much-needed boost.

After being dumped out of the FA Cup at home to Balham earlier this month, East Preston look to have been handed a much more favourable draw in the FA Vase.

EP’s opposition in the first qualifying round are Eastbourne United, a team yet to win in the league this season, but Paine will be taking nothing for granted.

East Preston go into the FA Vase clash on the back of a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of high-flying Chichester City on Tuesday but Paine is hopeful his side can deliver a response.

He said: “I think the final score flattered Chichester City a little bit, but they were clinical in front of goal.

“We’ve faced a really tough start in the league, probably playing three teams that will end up in the top six in our opening five matches.