ONE of the minnows, Herriard Sports Reserves, have a tough match tomorrow in the Peter Raynbird Cup.

They face Laarsens from division one of the Basingstoke and District League, who have conceded six goals in each of their last two matches, last week going down 6-1 against New Inn in the North Hants May Cup.

Herriard had trouble fielding two sides in the North Hants May and Junior cups and the second string travelled to Over Wallop with nine men and went out 6-3 losers.

The Herriard first team, who lost 3-2 at home against Micheldever Reserves, also have a tough fight on their hands when they play division two Bramley Reserves, who have lost just once and are sitting on top of the table. Last Saturday they won through to the second stage of the North Hants Junior Cup after beating neighbours Sherfield 3-2 with first teamer Martin Campbell scoring all three goals.

After three weeks of having to cancel through player shortage, New Inn Reserves expect to get a side together to take on Oakley Athletic Reserves, who lost 4-1 against Sherborne St John last week.

High-flying Lamb Inn, who chalked up their sixth win of the season when they knocked Andover League side Whitchurch A out of the May Cup with a 5-1 win, face Nine Saxons at Sherborne Road. Promoted Saxons took top Winchester club Crusaders to extra time but went down 4-2.

R and B Sports look the one division one club who can go all the way after retaining their 100 per cent record by beating Brighton Hill Sports 5-2, Matt Button scoring a hat-trick. Brighton Hill are their opponents again tomorrow but I cannot see the outcome being any different.

Overton United A are the visitors at Sherfield, who were unbeaten until last Saturday. They should, however, have the edge tomorrow and go through to the next stage when the premier division clubs join the competition.

Silchester's North Hants May Cup tie against Inkpen Exiles was abandoned because of injury and is being replayed tomorrow. This leaves scheduled opponents AFC Popley with no game.

One of two vital matches in the premier division is at Hook, where leaders Bramley United are the visitors. An anticipated close encounter has top referee John Nichols in charge. Both clubs have suffered defeats by fellow title chall-engers Three Barrels so neither can afford further slips. Hook were 5-1 winners in the May Cup against Sutton Scotney, with Adie Green scoring four times.

The other top game is at Winklebury where New Inn play Three Barrels. Both won through in the May Cup. Three Barrels had a difficult home game against Oakley Athletic but won 2-1, with a late winner from John Cameron. New Inn had a 6-1 win against Laarsens.

Tylney Hall, who came away from Winchester with a 7-1 over Hyde United, have a tough game at Oakley Athletic. Manager Pete Adams has lost goalkeeper Dave Wallace to Bramley.

Oakridge West picked up their first win of the season, 5-2 against Upham Reserves, with Ben Nichols netting four straight goals. There could be a second win when they play Wellington Social at Winklebury because Welly are still bottom and out of the May Cup. They need new players, so telephone Andy Anderson on 01256 842419 or Steve Gubby 07788 701269 if you are interested.

AFC Aldermaston, who managed a 1-0 win at AFC Popley in the May Cup, visit Headley, who made their exit, beaten 3-0 by Labour Club.

In division two, Great Western, who beat Chineham 2-1 for their first win of the season, have a chance of points when they play the same team at Sherborne Road.

Tadley Town A, the holders of the North Hants Junior Cup, made their exit by losing 3-1 to Pickett Piece. Tomorrow they meet Preston Candover for the second time this season. They were 5-2 winners in September at Preston but a repeat cannot be taken for granted.

AFC Aldermaston A entertain Sherborne St John and, after a 3-1 cup win at Shipton Bellinger, they will want to put a stop to Saints' 100 per cent league record.