BOSS Charlie Pierson has a welcome selection dilemma ahead of Ringwood’s eagerly-awaited Russell-Cotes Cup quarter-final with New Milton.
Pierson has the luxury of a 17-strong squad to choose from as the Sydenhams Wessex One rivals face-off at Fawcett’s Field tomorrow (7.45pm).
His wealth of options are in stark contrast to the previous two rounds when Ringwood pulled off against-the-odds victories after being down to the bare bones.
Pierson told the Daily Echo: “We had pretty much a scratch side out when we beat both Totton & Eling from Wessex Premier and Fleet Town from the Southern League.
“We managed to pull off a couple of great results and it will be nice to have a fully-fit squad to select from. It is brilliant but tough as well.
"But I would much rather have it this way than turning up with 13 players. We are really looking forward to the game.”
New Milton wrested the bragging rights after securing a 3-2 win on home soil in November following Ringwood’s league double over them the previous season.
Currently sixth, Ringwood are one place below the Linnets and have not played since December 20, while New Milton have lost their past two games.
Ringwood booked their place in the last eight following a dramatic penalty shootout against Fleet Town when they eventually prevailed 10-9.
New Milton: (from) Jackson, Helyar, Davidson, White, Ohameji, Lambert, Head, Drew, Shering, Barnett, Dickson, Bayston, Harris, Woolner, Turner, Teppett.
Ringwood: (from) Iles, Parnell, Finlay, Johnston, Phibbs, R Osman, Chilman, Midson, Saunders, Morgan, Roberts, Sullivan, Hardy, Richmond-Cole, K Osman, Peck, Leadbetter.
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