STOURPORT Swifts are hoping to make it seventh time lucky as they face Bromsgrove Rovers in the Southern League Cup first round tonight (7.45).
Dave Titterton's side have lost the last six meetings between the sides in all competitions, including 2-0 at the Victoria Ground this season, since Rovers were promoted from the Midland Alliance in 2002.
The Swifts manager is pleased with his side's form, despite losing 3-2 to a late goal at home to Rothwell Town last Saturday, and is relishing the prospect of a battle for local bragging rights.
He said: "I haven't got a problem with our performances and the way we have been playing. We have been by far the better team but at certain times we have made mistakes that have cost us a goal.
"It's a local derby so whether it's for a cup game or whatever it's always nice to play the local derby.
"Both teams have had a steady start in the league programme and they got the better of us at their place in the first league encounter."
Titterton is going to shuffle his squad to give other players 90 minutes as Nick Green, Kerry Giddings and Daniel Mason all took knocks in the Rothwell defeat.
Rovers boss Joe Jackson is also expected to make changes from Saturday's 3-3 home draw with Marlow when Rovers let a 3-1 lead slip. Paul Szewczyk missed that through illness but may be fit.
Jackson said: "It will give me an opportunity to try one or two people in different positions. We won't treat it lightly, we still want to go out and win the game."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article