PETERSFIELD Town will be creating another piece of club history this weekend when they make their first ever appearance in the FA Trophy.

Their first outing in the national cup competition for senior non-league clubs will see them renew their friendly rivalry with Winchester City at Love Lane on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

It means that thoughts about the club’s record run in the FA Cup this season must be put to one side for the day – and in some respects the Rams will be pleased that their poor league form can also be put to one side for the afternoon.

Manager Ian Saunders is expecting another tough day at the office as Winchester have made a strong start to their return to Southern League football.

The two sides met three times last season – twice in the Wessex Premier Division and at the quarter final stage of the League Cup. The Rams beat City twice and drew the other game and went on to beat them to the Premier Division title.

“I’m sure they will come to us on Saturday looking to make up for their results against us last season,” said Saunders.

“They’ve made an excellent start to the season and I had no doubt they would be strong contenders in Division 1 South and West.

“Their striker Warren Bentley has been scoring for fun since the season started but they have a fantastic squad of players we will have to watch for on the day.

“I think it is fantastic for non-league football in Hampshire that both ourselves and Winchester went up to the Southern League this season and I’m sure we are in for another exciting game against our old friends.

“As for being in the FA Trophy – I think this is a fantastic achievement for our club and is another testament to how far we have come in such a short period of time.”

Petersfield have no injury or suspension worries going into this game apart from keeper Matt Shortt, who has been sidelined since the opening day of the season.