HAMWORTHY United boss Simon Browne is grateful to have a second bite of the FA Cup cherry tomorrow after they blew a two-goal lead at Melksham Town.
Although the Hammers led 2-0 and 3-2 at the Conigre, Browne (pictured) admitted his side had been hanging on for a replay against their Western League rivals on Saturday.
But with the incentive of a derby date at Wimborne in the next round, Browne hopes his team – boosted by the return of Paddy Hester and Tom Biles – can finish the job at the County Ground (7.45pm).
The Hammers boss told the Daily Echo: “We were two up in 20 minutes and missed good chances to make it three.
“Had we scored then, we would have won the game comfortably.
“But we gave away two silly penalties and, once they got back to 3-3, I was probably grateful just to see it out and get another crack at it.
We have the chance of a good tie in the next round so we have to make it count.”
Hammers hope to have a full squad available for the extra preliminary round tie, but manager Browne is sweating on the fitness of defender Steele Saunders (Achilles) and striker Sam Pekun (ankle).
Hammers: (from) Knights, Penny, Holland, Horlock, Biles, Sturgess, Hester, Stacey, Allen, Chudy, Claremont, Shovelton, Bassiriki, Saunders, Pekun, Head.
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