'Anything can happen in cup games', says Diamonds boss Sandy

Kimberley MW play in the UCL North Division and have already been in league action. Forced to play their first three league fixtures away from home due to unfinished groundwork, the Nottinghamshire outfit have made an indifferent start, conceding 10 goals from their one win and two defeats so far.

With their ground out of action, Saturday’s cup tie will take place at Hucknall Town – some six miles north of Kimberley’s regular home.

Diamonds boss Elliot Sandy is looking forward to the game but he is keen to guard against complacency.

And he said: “We will go there as favourites but we are well aware that anything can happen in cup games.

"Kimberley already have three league games under their belts so they should be match fit.

"We’ve had a tough pre-season playing games against teams in higher leagues.”

The Diamonds boss will be without four players for Saturday’s game.

Ex-Cobbler Matty Warburton has picked up a calf injury and will miss the opening games while utility defender Curtis Hartley starts the first of a three-game ban. John-Joe O’Toole is unavailable while Tarik Dallas is on holiday.

Sandy added: “It will be good to get a competitive match under our belts.

"We will go into the tie with confidence and with the right mental attitude, without under estimating our opponents.”

Unless the FA Cup tie needs a replay, Diamonds start their league programme at relegated Barwell on Monday night.

Sandy believes that this is the toughest of starts to their league season.

He said: “They have recruited well in the summer and are likely to be one of the teams challenging for promotion.

"We had a few knocks on Saturday, so with injuries and unavailability we’ll have to try and manage the squad accordingly.

"But despite a really difficult start to the season we are not worried about anyone.

"We have a strong squad with strong belief.

"We are going to give it a good go this season and I can’t wait to get started!”