BOSS Steve Cuss is acutely aware of the goal threat posed by minnows St Austell as Wimborne Town look to avoid an FA Cup banana skin at Cuthbury on Saturday (3pm).

Magpies’ preliminary round opponents ply their trade in the South West Peninsula League – two levels below Wimborne – but rattled in more than 100 goals in all competitions last season.

And after the Lilywhites went nap in their 5-0 demolition of higher-league opposition Bishop Sutton in the last round, Cuss insisted a positive result would not be a foregone conclusion.

Cuss said: “The standard of football in Devon and Cornwall is high and St Austell are scoring lots of goals so it is essential we don’t take them lightly.

“The FA Cup is massive and we want to enjoy a good run in this season’s cup competitions.”

Defender Ian Oliver is suspended and striker Matt Kemble (ankle) is a doubt.

  • Co-manager Andy Darnton admits Bashley will start their tie (3pm) with fancied Wessex League outfit Winchester City as second favourites.

“They have a healthy budget, a strong squad and high hopes. It will be a tough one but we are well prepared and ready to fight in what should be a good contest.”

Connor Cullingford, Matt Oldring and Chris Hall all return for Bash to face a City side who won 4-0 in the New Forest during pre-season.

Bournemouth Poppies will look for further FA Cup progress when they travel to Wessx League rivals Bemerton Heath Harlequins (3pm), while manager Adie Arnold’s Christchurch are in league action at Fawley tomorrow (7.45pm).