VERWOOD Town boss Adie Arnold has wished local lad Matt Tubbs well – even though the FA Cup hopeful could deal him a double blow today.

Arnold has been forced to name a depleted squad for his side’s Wessex League clash at Petersfield after four key players took a weekend off to watch friend and Crawley star Tubbs face Manchester United in the fifth round.

Former Cherries loan man Tubbs, raised in Verwood, is set to lead the Crawley attack when they attempt to pull off a major shock against the Premier League leaders (5.15pm).

And as well as player withdrawals affecting Verwood’s chances, United fan Arnold could also be hit in the pocket by Tubbs – as he put a wager on Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to win the famous trophy.

Arnold revealed: “I am a United fan and I have got a bet on them to win the FA Cup.

“If United win 2-1 and Tubbsy scores, that would be ideal. If Man United scrape through with Rooney outscoring Tubbsy, that would be great!”

Arnold used to play alongside Tubbs’s father, Steve, and has known the Conference’s top scorer for a number of years.

The non-league goal machine will be cheered on by Potters players Chris Lynch, Charlie Elysee, Pete King and James Murray.

Arnold added: “If I wasn’t running Verwood, I would have probably gone up there myself.

“Playing at Old Trafford is a great experience for Matt and for the boys to see their friend.

“I’d have been annoyed if we were second or third in the league but I understand.”

Tubbs has built a formidable reputation with big-spending Crawley. His goal in the 1-0 victory at Torquay earned the dream tie at Old Trafford, where he could face the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.