OLD Newton manager Colin Macrow is rooting for Brantham Athletic - the team that 'beat' them in the third round of the Metaltec SIL.Brantham were subsequently thrown out for using an ineligible goalkeeper; reprieving First Division Newton and giving them a second chance to achieve some giantkilling when they take on in-form Senior Division Capel Plough in the fourth round at home tomorrow.

Elvin King

OLD Newton manager Colin Macrow is rooting for Brantham Athletic - the team that 'beat' them in the third round of the Metaltec SIL.

Brantham were subsequently thrown out for using an ineligible goalkeeper; reprieving First Division Newton and giving them a second chance to achieve some giantkilling when they take on in-form Senior Division Capel Plough in the fourth round at home tomorrow.

“We have been given a second chance, and we will be out to make the most of it,” said Macrow, who is looking for further 'favours' from Tony Hall and his Brantham side.

“If Brantham do well and gain promotion to the Ridgeons League it will mean the likelihood of three clubs going up from the First Division.

“We are one of at least six teams in the mix - and having an extra team go up this year could prove another bonus for us.”

Macrow is still recovering a nightmare final game of last season when his side was twice in the lead but lost 3-2 at Bramford United.

“Victory would have seen us First Division champions, a draw would guaranteed us promotion, and a defeat left our fate in the lap of the Gods,” said Macrow.

“In the end we missed out, and we paid a high price for a late dip in form after sitting apparently pretty - like Woodbridge Athletic are now - 12 months ago.”

Macrow has Stuart Ager back after injury and Nick Zarkos and Adam Rickwood scoring goals. The manager is hoping 18-year-old Sam Bobby recovers from illness in time to play.

Fourth Division Trimley Red Devils are the lowest team left in the competition, and they take on Second Division Bacton at Stennetts Field.

Somersham from Division Three visit Thurston, the Division One who also received a reprieve after Crane Sports used an ineligible player in the previous round.

Saxmundham, from Division Two, take on Senior Division leaders Melton St Audry's, who suffered their first league defeat since September 15 when beaten 2-1 at Capel Plough on Saturday.

Framlingham Town will relish their chance of gaining a senior scalp against treble-seeking Leiston St Margarets.

Grundisburgh, also in line for three trophies, meet Stonham Aspal, while Coplestonians are at home to East Bergholt.

Leighton Smythe is out with an ankle injury but otherwise Coplestonians should be at full strength with Jimmy Quantrill having recovered from a thigh injury.

Ian Matthews' side has been in good form over the past couple of months, picking up 19 points from the last 24 on offer. The winners have a home fixture against Thurston or Somersham in the quarter-finals.

There are two top-of-the-table clashes with Division One leaders Woodbridge Athletic hosting St Johns and Parkside United visiting Elmswell in Division Three.