Mullets all set for cup semi-final

The Mullets face fellow County League Division 1 side Eastbourne Town at Culver Road on Tuesday (7.30pm) and Butler knows his side will face a tough test.

He said: “This will be our biggest game for five years – since we were last in this stage of the competiton.

“It is going to be a really tough test for us as they are many peoples tip to win the league.

“We have already beaten them once this season, so the players know they have what it takes to beat them.

“However, that victory could go against us as I am sure this time around they will not want to taste defeat again.

“We have a few players missing for the game but we have a talented squad and whoever comes into the side will be up to the challenge.”

Arundel are facing a goalkeeper crisis for the fixture as they will be without James Fernandes for the game.

The Mullets had signed Worthing youngster Jimmy Punter but he has now been ruled out for the season with a quadricep injury.

It has left Butler with a dilemma going into the contest but he is confident of finding a replacement before the tie.

He added: “The preparation has not been ideal, with the goalkeeping crisis that we have had.

“To lose two keepers in such a short while is frustrating. This now means we are going to have a new keeper coming in for a cup semi-final, which will not be easy at all.

“The main spine of my team will be missing for the game with James Fernandes, Rory Biggs and Barney Boutwood all out, so others are going to have to come in and do a job.

“What this does do is offer a chance for some of the squad players to come in and be a cup hero.

“I am hoping Jordan Clark will be able to start the game, though, which would be a big boost for the team.”

Mullets travel to Littlehampton in the league on Saturday.