FULL OF HOPE

JIMMY Quinn is hoping to make it third time lucky at Yeovil - although fortune hasn't been smiling on him so far this week.

The build-up to Saturday's fifth round FA Trophy clash has been blighted by injuries and suspensions, which will stretch Vics to the limit against the runaway Nationwide Conference leaders.

The manager has taken confidence from the performances his side have put in against Yeovil during their two previous encounters this season, but this time he wants the result to show for it.

However, utility man Jake Sedgemore, a possible frontrunner for player of the season, serves an automatic one-match ban for picking up five bookings.

Injuries forced Mark Devlin and Richard Norris to miss Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hereford United, a game in which Shaun Came's comeback from injury lasted only 23 minutes.

The defender suffered a broken nose, while Gregor Rioch was on the bench for the game but is still not fully recovered from a hamstring strain.

Quinn will assess the injury situation at training on Thursday but is remaining upbeat.

He said: "We are the second highest goalscorers in the Conference so it's not a foregone conclusion, and our away record is far better than our home record."

But Yeovil are the one team that has scored more than Northwich, their 68 goals taking them to the top of the Conference. Vics are second, but way behind on 54.

The leaders are also yet to be beaten at home and are in ominous form, proven by Saturday's 4-2 win at Farnborough Town.

The last meeting between the sides brought a 2-1 defeat for Vics in December, one of eight they have suffered at Wincham Park.

Quinn added: "We've had two close games and been unlucky not to get something out of them. But because of this we know Yeovil won't take us lightly."

Northwich are in good form themsleves, with just one defeat in 11 games since Christmas, and no away losses since December 7.

A supporters' coach for Yeovil leaves the Drill Field on Saturday at 8.30am, £15 adults, £12.50 concessions. Tickets are on sale at the office.

A replay will be at Wincham Park on Wednesday, February 26 (7.45pm) but if this isn't required Vics will play Congleton away in the semi-final of the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.