MANAGER Simon Browne could hand an FA Cup opportunity to his younger stars following Hamworthy United’s “unacceptable” 1-0 Wessex League defeat at Fawley on Wednesday.

Browne, who saw his team’s unbeaten start to the season ended by the Oilers, may even blood a couple of youth team players in tomorrow’s extra preliminary round tie at Melksham Town (3pm).

The Hammers boss told the Daily Echo: “The players let themselves down and, other than one or two individuals, nobody came out of the game with much credit.

“With all due respect to Fawley, they are not a very good side and to lose in the manner we did was very disappointing. The lads have done really well so far but this result saw some of the inconsistencies from last season creep back in.

“I am still seething and I have a few decisions to make because there is the massive incentive of playing Wimborne in the next round. Some of the youth team lads could come into contention.”

Tom Biles and Paddy Hester are unavailable for the trip with Joe Shovelton and Diane Bassiriki recalled.

Victoria Park will host its first fixture of the season when Bournemouth Poppies entertain Hellenic Premier outfit Highworth Town – much to the relief of boss Ken Vaughan.

Poppies started with four consecutive away days while their pitch was prepared for the new season, but Vaughan’s men will finally compete on home soil tomorrow (3pm) as they look to banish the memory of past defeats to their Wiltshire rivals.

Christchurch will be boosted by the return of Marcus Cullen when they host Sherborne Town tonight (7.45pm) while Verwood travel across the Solent to face Newport (IOW) tomorrow (3pm) on the back of Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Brockenhurst.

Dual-registered Jack Satterley grabbed a late consolation for the Potters but is expected to feature in Bashley’s squad this weekend.

In Wessex One, New Milton host Andover New Street (3pm).