ROYSTON Town boss Paul Attfield is hoping his squad will show they have the strength in depth ahead of Saturday’s mouth-watering FA Cup derby clash at Histon.

With up to nine first-teamers expected to be missing from the Second Qualifying Round encounter, including top-scorer Robbie Mason and full-backs Lewis Endacott and Taylor Parr, Attfield will be looking for others to step up to the plate.

“We are going to need a lot of luck, and we have got to go out there and believe we can do it,” The Crows’ boss told The Royston Crow.

“There are things we can control out there, like belief, confidence and effort, and if we can remember how we played against Chesham [Royston triumphed 2-1 away in the previous round] then we can give it a real go.

“It is a massive game for the club; when you are a club our size they don’t really come any bigger than this.

“It’s a local derby, it’s great for the club financially, and there should be a decent crowd there.

“We have got to go out there and treat it as a cup final - we want some of the magic of the FA Cup to rub off on us, and it’s a chance for the players to step up.”

Histon play two divisions above Royston in the Skrill North, and Attfield is under no illusion the size of the task ahead for his troops.

“There is absolutely no pressure on us, as everyone expects us to lose, just like they did in the last round,” added Attfield.

“Histon are a very good side, and their manager has done an excellent job with no budget up there. He has given youngsters a chance and the fact they are doing well is a credit to Brian [Page, first-team manager].

“I think the first goal could be crucial; if we get it then it can bring belief and confidence to the lads that we can do something here, if they get it then it could prove difficult to get back in the game.”

On Saturday The Crows defeated Chalfont St Peter 3-0 in the Calor Southern League Division One Central, Ryan Lockett, Ryan Ingrey and former Histon striker Craig Hammond scored.