WINSFORD United boss Lloyd Morrison says his players will need to be strong to make Blues’ latest run in the FA Vase a record one.

They travel to North West Counties League rivals Runcorn Linnets in Saturday’s first round, when victory would set a club best for the visitors.

Never before have they won three successive matches in the competition.

“It’s an added incentive,” said Morrison.

“To have a chance, we’ll need to resist the physical challenge that a team like theirs poses. They’re big, strong lads and we have to cope with that.

“If we do, then I fancy us to win the tie because we have better players.”

Blues have beaten Glossop North End and Abbey Hey to reach the first round proper, banking more than £1,000 in prize money as a reward.

The victors this weekend will pocket a further £900.

Morrison told the Guardian that a repeat of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Colne, when Blues scored two own goals, would not occur at Linnets’ Mallbank Stadium.

He said: “The day a team of mine scores twice in its own net again will be a rare one.

“It’s not nice to lose like that, particularly as I felt we deserved something from the game after battling back from 2-0 down.”

Skipper Adam Foy is again absent this weekend while on his honeymoon, while midfield anchor John Bennett is banned.

Wayne Wellbeck continues to convalesce after injury, but Steve Warburton hopes to have recovered from illness to feature.

Newcomer Paul Pearson, who made his debut on Saturday, is a contender to play too.

If the result is a draw, then the two teams will replay at Barton Stadium next Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Morrison added: “The FA Vase is a competition the club has struggled in, but it remains an important one that we want to do well in.”