It's been a frustrating few weeks for The Blue And Whites with the last 2 games vs Lichfield City and Wolverhampton Casuals called off due to waterlogged pitches. Having been appointed 3 weeks ago, tomorrow is set to be new first team manager, Chris Cornes' first game in charge.

City will be looking to complete the league double over Whitchurch for the second season in a row. The two sides met at Claines Lane back in September with goals coming from Bailey Fuller and Sean Brain, securing the 3 points. On the last visit to Yockings Park, it was a late double from Chris Sterling in September 2021 which saw City come from behind to pick up the win.

The Blue And Whites head in to the tie currently sat in 17th position in the league, hunting for 3 points to pull themselves clear of the relegation zone, and closing the gap on Whitchurch, who currently sit in 16th, but 9 points better off.

New signings, Dylan Hart, Connor Jakeways and Jordan Stoddart are all fit and vying for inclusion tomorrow.

In injury news, George Baker will return to action this weekend for the Reserves, to get some minutes under his belt following a groin injury. Demetri Brown has had a scan on his injured knee and we await the results. Josh Schuck and Darragh Bustin are currently waiting on operations following their ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Speaking ahead of the tie, manager Chris Cornes said, "Training has been fantastic from start to finish. We want to play free-flowing attacking football and with the players that we have got in that dressing room, it should be a straightforward task to get them playing that way.

"The cancellations have been frustrating, but in hindsight, it's probably been a blessing in disguise. We've managed to get a few midweek sessions in, along with an in-house training game last Saturday following the Lichfield postponement. The game was a great tempo, and it was invaluable to assess the squad in a match-type environment.

"The lads have been brilliant since I stepped through the door. The enthusiasm and quality in the squad is great to see. I'm so surprised to see where we are in the league, but it is what it is, and it's now my team and I's job to galvanise them and get us climbing up the league table.

"Whitchurch are a very good side and they try and play football, with attacking threats all over. It's a nice little setup and a great pitch there. It's a very tough game, for our first one in charge with a squad that we are still getting to know, but it's a game that I would like to think we're going to get a foothold in and hopefully come back with the 3 points.

"It's the longest journey of the season, and we understand it's a tough time of the year where money is tight with Christmas coming up. Myself, my team and the lads would be hugely appreciative of The Faithful's support tomorrow to help drive us towards the 3 points.

"It's something we have spoken about at length, putting smiles back on the fans faces again, especially when they travel away. You can't beat a good away following, who are getting behind the team - It's a massive plus. Hopefully, on the day, we can bring back those smiles with free-flowing football and ultimately put 3 points on the board."