MANAGER Carl Abbott vowed Evesham United would “have a go” in a bid to overcome hometown club Halesowen Town’s “substantial budget” in the FA Trophy.

Like the Robins, Yeltz underwent a mass overhaul during the summer with Paul Smith drafted in as manager and John Snape leaving the Worcester City hotseat to become his assistant.

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That has prompted bookmakers to install Town as red-hot favourites for the Southern League Division One Central title at 7-4 and with United also fancied to do well in Division One South, Abbott expects a tantalising encounter.

“I am from Halesowen and have my ear to the ground there, they have a substantial budget and lofty ambitions this season,” said Abbott.

“Fair play to them, they have a good side and do their homework right. I believe their manager watched us on Tuesday and I have no doubt they will be ready.

“We know plenty about them as well, though, and it will be a good open game of football."

Evesham's attacking instincts almost paid dividends in midweek, going within a saved penalty of rescuing a draw from a 4-3 defeat at Cinderford Town having trailed by three at the interval.

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Despite that gung-ho push, Abbott remains focused on striking the right balance while allowing for the style he wants to see from his side.

"We came out 3-4-3 in the second half and had our wing-backs level with the front three, similar to what we did against Slimbridge at home earlier in the season when we turned them over," said Abbott.

"You cannot approach a game like that, though, and what we are telling the lads is to not take risks in the defensive third. That is creeping in but we are not going to change, the template works and we have been quite pragmatic in games.

“Cinderford played a similar style to us and I think the two teams meshed, something we expect to happen again with Halesowen.

“It is the Trophy and the type of game where you can have a go, there is not a massive risk so we will play our game and see what happens.”

Jack Cresswell begins a three-match ban following his straight red card in last weekend’s 4-0 win over Mangotsfield United but Harry Franklin, who made his debut in midweek having signed from Redditch United, comes into contention.

“Harry’s arrival means we are quite well covered across the pitch,” added Abbott.

“He is a bit of a utility player who tops up the squad with Jack out for the next three games.”

The preliminary round match is worth £2,250 in prize money to the winners.