Sphinx set out on road to Wembley

Coventry Sphinx are preparing to launch their FA Vase campaign after going all the way to last term's quarter-finals.

Sphinx's run to the last eight in March ended in defeat by the eventual winners Kirkham and Wesham.

But the Midland Alliance club travel north to Stone Dominoes in Saturday's second round full of hope.

Playmaker Rob Stevenson could be fit to return after a month out with sprained ankle ligaments, but captain David Drennan is among the players ruled out.

Sphinx are still without longer term casualties Adrian Fisher and Tom Haywood, while James Halton and Jerome Murdock are both suspended.

I'm sure come Saturday the players will be buzzing Paul Charnley

With keeper Carl O'Neill cup-tied, Charnley will look to the experienced Chris Daffern to take over in goal and will also give a fitness test to defender Jamie McAteer who picked up a hamstring strain in last weeks defeat to Westfields.

Sphinx are currently second in the Midland Alliance and manager Paul Charnley is optimistic that his team can progress to the third round.

"We're going to Stone full of confidence despite the growing injury list," he said. "It was a great experience last season. We all want to have another taste of it but we must be prepared to grind out the result.

"If we want to progress then we'll have to earn the right but we're still playing well and I'm sure come Saturday the players will be buzzing."