Saffron Walden FC will hope to continue their undefeated start to the season when they take on Stanway Rovers in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday. Fresh from their 6-1 thrashing of Wootton Blue Cross in an FA cup replay, last Wednesday, and their

Saffron Walden FC will hope to continue their undefeated start to the season when they take on Stanway Rovers in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday.

Fresh from their 6-1 thrashing of Wootton Blue Cross in an FA cup replay, last Wednesday, and their 2-1 victory over Stowmarket Town in the league on Saturday, Walden are full of confidence and will be looking for a win when they travel up to meet the Ridgeons Premier League side.

Despite being a division below their opponents, assistant coach John Butchart believes his side can "get a result" from the game.

"We played them last season when we were in the same league and we beat them 2-0, so we know we can go there and do it again," he said.

"Stanway have had quite an indifferent start to the season and are not showing any kind of form, so we will be looking for a win on the weekend. The lads have got nothing to fear."

Mr Butchart believes their performance against Wootton has given his team "a lot of confidence," but thinks the number of games they have played recently could be a problem.

"I think there could be a few tired legs out there, but we have got enough enthusiasm in the squad to bring us through," he said.

Although Walden will be looking for the win, Mr Butchart said: "I would be pleased with a draw. If we could force a replay then I think that would give us the advantage and we could have a crack at them on our home ground."

A promising sign for the Bloods was their away form against Stowmarket Town, last Saturday August 26.

Richard Chadwick continued his goal-scoring run with the opener just before half-time.

Stowmarket equalised on 72 minutes, but Spike Bell grabbed the winner a minute later.

Mr Butchart said: "It was a good all-round performance. All the lads did their jobs well and it is always pleasing to score goals away from home."

Walden's two wins and one draw puts them in fifth position in the Ridgeons League First Division. With seven points out of a possible nine they have made a strong start to the season.

Mr Butchart puts the good start down to a strong squad. Even when they have had people out with injury, he said: "It has been nice to be able to bring the youngsters in who have all performed well.