Grantham Town face Newark and Sherwood in the FA Vase
Manager Mitch Griffiths is looking for a strong reaction from his Grantham Town side in a massive match for the Gingerbreads on Saturday.
Town make the short trip to Harrowby’s Fruehauf Stadium to face Newark and Sherwood in the first round of the FA Vase.
Grantham go into the clash against their league rivals on the back of a 1-0 away loss at Wisbech Town on Tuesday night.
Griffiths was left frustrated at how his side had been out-worked by the Fenmen who took the points following a first half goal from Sam Harris.
He said: "It's a massive local derby on Saturday.
"We said before the Wisbech game that we've got eight really tough matches in the next four weeks.
"It's going to be relentless and obviously we haven't started it off how we wanted to.
"We've got a chance to put it right on Saturday and I'm looking for a strong reaction."
There are plenty of playing links between the two clubs going into Saturday's clash.
The Highwaymen are managed by ex-Grantham defender Tom Ward who was Griffiths' boss during his playing time at Sleaford Town.
Gingerbreads coach Louis Bland was also part of Ward's management team at the Greens.
Sherwood - who ground-share at Harrowby United - are currently at the foot of the United Counties League Premier Division North table.
But Griffiths feels the form-book will go out of the window in Saturday's Vase tie.
He commented: "There's lot of links between me, Tom, his brother Charlie and Louis as well as a lot of the other players so it's going to be a proper local derby.
"It's going to be a really tough game and they're going to want it more than Wisbech did on Tuesday night so it's down to us to make sure we can match that.
"We need to show that it means as much to us as it does to them.
"I know they're bottom of the league and you are there for a reason but, with the players which they've got, they are not a bottom of the table team.
"I'm under no illusions that it is not going to be an easy game whatsoever.
"It's not a given that we're going to win and it's going to be an absolute scrap."
Griffiths was part of the Lincoln United side which reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase two seasons ago along with goalkeeper Jack Steggles and defenders Sean Wright and Michael Jacklin.
With Bourne Town also reaching the last eight of the national competition last term, Griffiths feels the United Counties League clubs are well equipped for another strong run on the road to Wembley.
He said: "It's a huge competition and we're still fuming about that day with Lincoln United after losing on penalties.
"It gives us that extra bit of desire and it's something we still dream about.
"I think the United Counties League is of a high step five standard, especially this year, so I do think there's a really good chance of doing well in it."
Grantham return to Premier Division North action on Tuesday night with a trip to Boston Town.