New Haverhill Rovers’ boss Marc Abbott says tonight’s Omni Freight Services Suffolk Premier Cup tie offers his side a great chance to progress in the competition, writes Nick Garnham.

The 31-year-old player-manager will be taking charge for just the third time since replacing Ben Cowling when Rovers line-up at Ipswich Wanderers in the second-round tie.

Abbott was a member of the Rovers’ side that lost 4-0 at Portman Road against Ipswich Town in the quarter-final of the competition eight years ago.

He was also in the side that reached the semi-final before losing 3-0 to Lowestoft Town at AFC Sudbury in the 2011-12 season.

Abbott said: “I have got some good memories of the Premier Cup. We will be going to Ipswich Wanderers with as full-strength squad as I can field.

“The tie is a great opportunity for the players to progress in the competition.”

Rovers won Abbott’s first match in charge – the derby against rivals Haverhill Borough – before losing 2-1 at Stowmarket Town on Saturday.

The visitors were missing ten first-team players, but pushed second-placed Stowmarket all the way before being beaten by an 85th minute winner at Greens Meadow.

Abbott, who scored Rovers’ equaliser early in the second period, continued: “A few of the young lads who played have staked a claim to play on Wednesday.”

Dario Seminerio and Paul Miles have been brought in by Abbott, who is enjoying his new role, to assist him.

“Not much has changed. I was player-coach previously and had a fairly strong say in the changing room,” he added.

Rovers’ fellow Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division opponents are experiencing a tough time right now both on and off the pitch.

Wanderers currently occupy 22nd place – third from bottom of the table – after picking up just one point in their last ten league games.

Tonight’s other tie is another all-Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division affair.

Walsham-le-Willows will be looking to recover from an 8-0 thrashing at Coggeshall Town on Saturday when they entertain Brantham Athletic.

The visitors, who were without a match at the weekend, have won seven of their last eight games and sit fourth in the table.