Gary Croydon returned from a scouting expedition to Arlesey and declared: "We have nothing to fear."

The Burgess Hill boss took almost three hours to reach the Bedfordshire ground and watch Tuesday's League win over Bracknell.

He was impressed with the pitch and surroundings but believes the Ryman divison three leeaders are beatable.

Croydon said: "We will go up in good heart. We certainly will have no fears after winning at places like Newport County and Bedfont last season.

"Our only problem is we might be a bit stale. We can't even train at the moment."

Hillians' main selection dilemma will come in goal, with Pat Gannon, Keith Cheal and Sean McFadden all named in a 17-man squad. Their final line-up hinges on how quickly McFadden recovers from a shoulder injury.

Burgess Hill: from McFadden, Gannon, Cheal, Williams, Lutwyche, Edwards, Ash, Stevens, Downey, Carter, Simmons, Marshall, Guille, Packham, Carr, Isaac, Langridge
Top scorer Gavin Geddes completes a two match ban as Horsham tackle yet another cup tie.

The Vase trip to Totton will be Hornets' 15th match this season in knockout competitions compared to just nine in the league.

John Maggs' side have won just once in Ryman division two since the opening week of the season but their record in five cups is impressive with the only defeat coming by Conference leaders Yeovil.

Winger Gary Charman, who this week signed a contract linking him to Horsham until the end of next season, said: "We lost at Totton in the Vase last year because of their physical presence. We will need to be up for it, but that won't be a problem."

Horsham (probable): Chatfield, Lempriere, Ward, Kirby, Barnes, Payne, Smart, Clark, Charman, Warrilow, Flain. Subs from Etheridge, Bastian, Andrews, Moore, Mackay, Callow.

Saltdean have 12 players either out or doubtful as they head to Ryman division three high-flyers Ashford Town (Middlesex).

But boss Glenn Burvill is backing his youngsters to do Tigers proud, even if a place in the fourth round may be beyond them.

He admitted: "We are second favourites. I will have five 16 or 17-year-olds on the bench and possibly two or three of them starting.

Good "But we have got good youngsters here. They have a lot of enthusiasm and this will be good experience for them."

Tigers' tale of woe kicks-off with Warren Buss and Andy Johnson, who are cup-tied, and Reece Head, Sean Grice and Damion Dobbyn, who are banned.

Phil Horsham and Tony Flower are ruled out by injuries and striker Paul Boxall (knee) is almost certain to join them on the sidelines.

Terry Cooper and Chris Johnson are rated 50-50 as they recover from knee injuries while Ian Costello was having tests this week on a suspected hernia.

Burvill cannot even put himself on the bench. The former Aldershot professional is suspended.

Saltdean: from Bryant, Longley, Sweatman, Elliott, Keenan, Holmes, C. Johnson, Towensend, Bean, T. Cooper, Harman, Agutter, Ford, Fenson, Newman, Assifi, Costello.