Swaffham TOWN boss Paul Hunt says his young hopefuls will have the perfect opportunity to prove their first team credentials when the Pedlars take on Downham Town in the Norfolk Senior Cup this weekend.

Swaffham TOWN boss Paul Hunt says his young hopefuls will have the perfect opportunity to prove their first team credentials when the Pedlars take on Downham Town in the Norfolk Senior Cup this weekend.

Hunt has some major selection problems ahead of the third round tie at Shoemakers Lane, with Rory Harper definitely out because of work commitments and strike partner Joe Jackson doubtful because of injury. Full-back Dwayne Hockton is absent because of illness while Dean Miller is another with a prior commitment.

Swaffham were depleted for Saturday’s FA Vase exit at home to Desborough, although the 6-0 scoreline did not reflect their performance and Hunt says the young players drafted all rose to the challenge.

“It is always a case that after a defeat you can’t wait to get back into action again, and this sort of game is perfect,” he said. “It is a great competition and against our local rivals as well. We have had some good games against them and there should be a good atmosphere. It will be great for the young lads. They have been performing really well in the circumstances. There are four or five of them who are taking their chance with both hands and who will want to keep their places in the team.”

Jackson’s 10-goal league haul this season includes two hat-tricks, one when Swaffham thrashed Downham 5-0 in the first week of the season. But he left the field on Saturday with a groin problem.

“We lost Rory at nine in the morning, because of an unexpected work commitment,” he said. “Joe had been struggling with the injury but said he would try and get through. He was looking sharp early on, but it just flared up and he began to struggle.”

“We have signed Neil Goodbourn from Downham, but he is serving a suspension so effectively we are likely to be without three strikers.”

Tonight the second quarter-final of the Hospital Cup takes place between Necton and Narborough (7.30pm). Last week Castle Acre edged Litcham 3-2 in extra time. Tomorrow the U18s are at home to Wisbech St Mary (7.45pm). On Saturday the reserves visit Blofield Reserves (2.30pm).