BRADFORD Town boss Danny Greaves says recent cup disappointments have given his side extra incentive for this weekend’s FA Vase third round clash at home to Team Solent.

The Bobcats and Wiltshire rivals Melksham Town both go in search of a place in the last 32 of the national competition this weekend, with the latter travelling to take on fellow Toolstation Premier Division outfit Bridgwater Town.

Bradford saw their ambitions in both the Wiltshire Senior Cup and Les Phillips Cup ended in November as they suffered extra-time defeats away at Westbury United and Street, so Greaves does not want a third cup competition to fall by the wayside.

However, with Wessex Premier Division outfit Team Solent having caused a big shock in the previous round by defeating a Tavistock side who are unbeaten in the South West Peninsula Premier Division, Greaves is expecting a tense battle at Trowbridge Road.

“We wanted to do well in all of the cup competitions we are in, so I can’t say that I am not disappointed to go out of the two recently,” said Greaves.

“It does put a little bit more on this game in the Vase now.

“It’s a big game for the club and all of the boys are looking forward to it.

“Team Solent are not in our league but we know a little bit about them.

“Their game in the previous round was originally postponed so we managed to get down and see them on a Tuesday night.

“They beat Tavistock, who are unbeaten in their league.

“They also reached the last 16 of the Vase last season so they are a good side and we are expecting a tough game.”

Meanwhile, Melksham manager Kieran Baggs believes his side will be the underdogs when they travel to Bridgwater despite his side sitting two places and six points above their hosts in the table.

Baggs has plenty of reason to be cautious as opponents Bridgwater, who were only relegated from the Southern League last season, are currently on a seven-match winning sequence in all competitions.

Baggs said: “We have not played them in the league yet but I have been to watch them and they are a good side.

“They had a bit of a slow start to the season but they are probably on the best run of any team in the league at the moment.

“Although we are above them in the table, I think given the form they are in and the fact they are at home, they would have to be the favourites.

“We are going to have to be at our very top level and if we aren’t, then it’s going to be a tough one for us to win.”