MANAGER Pip Boyland views Tuesday’s Turners Hyundai Suffolk Premier Cup tie as a ‘win, win’ for Brantham Athletic.

Boyland, who was appointed in mid-January, takes his Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side to Leiston, who play two leagues higher in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central, in the second round of this season's competition.

The former defender played in five Suffolk Premier Cup Finals – once for Leiston in the 2006-07 season and then four for Needham Market in the following four seasons, although only winning one.

He said: “I haven’t been involved in the competition for a while because of playing for (Essex clubs) Stanway Rovers and Brightlingsea Regent. I have missed not being able to take part in it, so am looking forward to it.”

Boyland (above right) has overseen two draws and two defeats in his four matches in charge so far, the Blue Imps picking up a point thanks to a 1-1 draw at Fakenham Town on Saturday. They currently sit in 18th place just above the relegation zone.

“Our main focus is on staying in the league because of the position we are in, so it is a free hit for us and an opportunity to give some youngsters who have been doing well in the Reserves an opportunity to play in the first team.

“I have said to the players they are in a ‘win, win’ situation as we are not expected to win, but it is an opportunity for them to go out and experience playing against a Step 3 side.

“They should use the experience wisely to see how professionally things are done at a Step 3 football club if that is where they want to be in the future.

“It is an opportunity for the boys to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in and prove they want to be a part of the club going forward,” said Boyland.

The tie is one of four rearranged second-round matches taking place on Tuesday evening, after heavy rain caused the original ties to be postponed a fortnight ago.

Hadleigh United host Lakenheath, who will be playing in their first-ever Suffolk Premier Cup tie, Haverhill Rovers entertain Woodbridge Town and holders Needham Market welcome Walsham-le-Willows. The remaining tie - Bury Town v Felixstowe & Walton United - is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8th at 7.45pm.

The quarter-final draw will be broadcast on the Non-League Hour on BBC Radio Suffolk on Thursday night from 8.30pm onwards.

Photograph: Paul Voller

Midweek Fixtures

Tuesday

Kicks-offs 7.45pm unless stated:

Turners Hyundai Suffolk Premier Cup Second Round: Hadleigh Utd v Lakenheath, Haverhill Rovers v Woodbridge Town, Leiston v Brantham Athletic, Needham Market v Walsham-le-Willows.