PETERSFIELD Town manager Jim Macey faces a trip down memory lane as he looks to get the Rams marching forward on the road to Wembley.

Macey was formerly manager at Thatcham Town – Petersfield’s opponents in the Extra Preliminary Round tie in the FA Cup this Saturday – and he knows his young side face a tough test when they travel to Berkshire.

But they will head north with renewed enthusiasm for this cup tie following their performance in their opening Wessex Premier Division league game of the season against Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Rams fell to a 3-1 defeat but Macey feels there is plenty to be upbeat about from that performance – as well as lots to still work on.

He said: “I was pleased with our first half display – despite going a goal down the lads showed a good attitude and had plenty of chances.

“They finally got their reward with a goal and at that stage I thought we could go on and win the game.

“But some poor defending in the second half cost us dearly and I was disappointed with the result overall.

“The lads need to learn to stay focused throughout the game.”

Petersfield’s Hellenic League Premier Division hosts will provide Macey’s side with a stern test of their credentials.

Thatcham are managed by former Alresford Town boss Danny Robinson and they started their league campaign with a 1-0 win over Abingdon United on Tuesday night.

The extra incentive for both sides is the winners will receive £1,500 in prize money and a trip to Sholing or Alresford Town in the Preliminary Round on August 19.

Macey is looking forward to his return to Thatcham and believes anything is possible on the day, thanks to the magic of the FA Cup.

He added: “I’m looking forward to going back to my old club but it will be an even bigger test for my young side than the one we had on Tuesday night.

“But it’s cup football and we have nothing to lose when we go to Thatcham.”

The game is being played at Waterside Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, RG19 4PA. Kick-off is at 3pm. If the game is a draw at the end of 90 minutes a replay will take place at Love Lane, Petersfield, on Tuesday, August 8, kick-off 7.45pm.