Ar Tarn are hoping for a great day in the Vase

Action from Whitworth's 2-1 defeat at Cogenhoe United in the United Counties League Premier Division last weekend. Picture by Dave Ikin

Ar Tarn host Pinxton in their second-round tie with a place in the last 64 and £900 in prize money on the line.

Desborough head into the clash on the back of a four-match run without a win, which continued with a 1-0 midweek home loss to Newport Pagnell Town, who moved to the top of the ChromaSport United Counties League Premier Division as a result.

But boss Chris Bradshaw was pleased with an improved performance following the 2-0 loss at Wisbech Town last weekend.

And he is in confident mood as Ar Tarn look for more Vase success, having won 2-0 at Wellington in the first round.

“For me, on Tuesday, we needed a performance that could give us some confidence going into the weekend,” Bradshaw said.

“We didn’t get the result but we did get the performance out of the players and that was pleasing.

“So I am feeling confident. We are in the right frame of mind, we will be ready and I believe we can get a result.

“I don’t know a great deal about Pinxton but I know they are flying this season so we are in for a big test.

“But it will be a big test for them too and hopefully we can make it a great day at Desborough.”

As far as Tuesday’s loss was concerned, Bradshaw was left feeling slightly hard done by as an early goal proved decisive.

And the Desborough manager was particularly disappointed not to see a couple of key decisions go his team’s way.

“It was a good game,” he added.

“The three previous performances had disappointed me so it was more about us applying ourselves properly against a team who could go on and win the league.

“I think we applied ourselves well and it was disappointing not to get anything.

“I was disappointed with the officials. We felt we had one that was over the line and not given and then we have had two penalty shouts and one of them was blatant.

“I know we can’t have a game without the officials but I think they need to be better.”

United Counties League Division One leaders Raunds Town hit the road this weekend as they travel across the county to take on Bugbrooke.

And, while the Shopmates will be focused on their own match, they will be hoping for a favour from Burton Park Wanderers who travel to second-placed Pinchbeck United.

Rushden & Higham United and Irchester United both have home advantage as they take on Melton Town and Olney Town respectively.

Thrapston Town make the trip to Harrowby United and Stewarts & Lloyds’ quest to earn their first point of the season will continue at Huntingdon Town.

In the Premier Division, Rothwell Corinthians have home advantage as they take on Sileby Rangers at Sergeants Lawn.

Corinthians’ scheduled midweek trip to Oadby Town was postponed following a break-in at the Leicestershire club.

Whitworth are also on home soil as they entertain Harborough Town at London Road while Wellingborough Town will be looking to bounce back from their 6-1 defeat at AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the quarter-finals of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup when they head to St Andrews.