Manager Scott urges Thetford Town to send out title message in Ridgeons Cup quarter-finals

Fired-up Thetford Town boss Mark Scott has urged his side to send out a title message on Saturday – by beating March Town United in the cup.

Thetford, who have dropped from first to fourth in the table since the turn of the year, host promotion rivals March in the Ridgeons First Division Knockout Cup quarter-final (3pm kick-off).

Scott admitted the game is the perfect opportunity to forget about the Ridgeons First Division promotion race while also providing a chance to lay down a marker for the rest of the season.

The Brecklanders boss said: “It’s a welcome break from the pressures of the league and an opportunity to take the shackles off and play some good entertaining football.

“March ended our 13-game unbeaten league run in December but we’re not looking for revenge. I’m a big believer of not letting teams do the double over us – even though it’s a cup game – and we need to send out the correct message to March.

“They beat us fair and square in December but we want to do better and we want to progress. We lost to Gorleston in the final last season and we want to make the final again this year.”

Matt Dixon’s 13th league goal of the season helped Thetford pick up their first point in three games with a 1-1 draw at Team Bury on Saturday.

Bruno Tavares made a substitute appearance and will be in Saturday’s squad as he continues his return from a hamstring injury. Captain Sean O’Donnell is available after missing the weekend’s draw through work commitments. Matt Howard (knee) is doubtful.

Thetford return to league action on Tuesday when they host mid-table Cambridge University Press (7.45pm kick-off).

Scott said: “Mathematically if we win all of our league games we will win the title. It’ll take some doing but I’ve got huge confidence in our squad.”