BEWARE of banana skins – that’s the message from Petersfield Town manager Ian Saunders to his own players and his opponents ahead of two crucial cup ties.

The Rams will be looking to cause another FA Cup upset on Saturday when they entertain Southern League Premier Division side Cirencester Town at Love Lane in the second qualifying round (kick-off 3pm).

However, before that they must avoid a cup upset against themselves in the Portsmouth Senior Cup when Portsmouth Saturday Football League side Widbrook United visit tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm).

Following Saturday’s appalling display in the 4-0 defeat against Royston Town, Saunders is concerned his side’s indifferent form could give Widbrook an unexpected chance for cup glory.

“Tonight is a real banana skin as we know nothing about Widbrook,” said the Petersfield boss.

“They have no pressure on them and our current up and down form lends itself to a possible shock.

“Equally, Saturday’s FA Cup game will be the same but in reverse. Cirencester are massively the favourites and, depending on how we turn up, we could surprise them.”

The two fixtures give Petersfield the chance to put their poor league form to one side and continue their cup success – they have won all three of their cup ties so far this season.

Saunders added: “We will try to be set right for both games.”