PAUL ATTFIELD is hopeful his team can make inroads in this season’s FA Vase competition – starting on Saturday with a first round tie away at Essex Senior League outfit Barking.

The Crows boss is making no secret of his desire to do well this year after last season’s unfortunate second round exit to Leiston. Two seasons ago Royston made it to the fifth round – three wins away from a Wembley final – but were beaten 5-0 by eventual runners-up Wroxham in front of over 600 spectators at Garden Walk.

And Attfield – whose side currently sit top of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division – sees no reason why the Crows can’t enjoy a good run again.

“It’s massive for the club,” says Attfield. “We want to make inroads in the competition but we’ve got a few injury problems ahead of Saturday.

“I don’t know much about them (Barking) but like I’ve said before I don’t think the Essex Senior League is a particularly good footballing league.

“We were unlucky last year against Leiston, who reached the quarter finals, and I think Barking will be equally as difficult opponents. We’re not at full strength so it’s not going to be an easy match for us.

“The thing is we’re not going to play a team in a higher division than us. We’re top of our league so it’s a great opportunity for us to do well.”

Attfield will be without the services of Ryan Lockett and captain Ross Collins for the tie due to injury, while Rhys Lawrence and Lewis Endacott (suspended) are also missing.

However there is better news for the Crows boss as Martin Standen and centre-half John McGrandles should both be available.

Cup competitions have been coming thick and fast for Royston, and they were in action last night (Wednesday, after going to press) and on Tuesday night when an experimental line-up consisting mainly of reserve and youth team players lost 3-2 at home to Bletchley in the second round of the Challenge Trophy.

“We just experimented with players so the result is no big deal,” added Attfield.

“It was a good chance to look at a few players – the youth team goalkeeper did ok and had a good first half. But it was difficult because Bletchley were up for it because it was a big game for them.”

n Saturday’s tie at Barking kicks off at 3pm at Mayesbrook Park, Dagenham.