Ipswich Witches boss, Ritchie Hawkins has called on his side to build up a big lead tonight in the first leg of their knock-out cup clash with Rye House.

The ‘Tru7.com’ Witches travel to Hertfordshire on Saturday night, with Hawkins confident his side have what it takes to get through to the next round – where the winner meets Berwick Bandits.

“With the first leg being at home we need to get as big a lead as we can and if all the boys ride to their capabilities I’ve no doubt we’ll get through,” Hawkins said.

“Hopefully our boys are all ready to show up on the day.”

Having exited the League Cup and started poorly in the Premier League, Hawkins knows the importance the Knockout Cup this season.

“The Knock-out cup has a bigger importance now because its been an up and down start for us. We are already out of the League Cup and the Premier League table doesn’t look too pretty at the moment for us.

“If we get a good result here, the next round is not for a couple of months so hopefully a positive result will kick us on.”

Rye House include former Witches Cameron Heeps and Leigh Lanham, while Rockets’ No.1 Eddie Kennett has started the season on fire.

Coupled with the experienced Stuart Robson, the Witches cannot afford another sloppy home performance – too many of which have been seen so far this season.