Stamford AFC and Deeping Rangers look to progress in the cup

For once Stamford AFC will start as favourites in a home match tonight (Tuesday, 7.45pm kick-off) when they take on Carlton Town in the third round of the Doodson Cup, the league cup competition for Evo Stik sides

Although we thought that last time they played the lower league side in the FA Trophy first round back in October and on that occasion, the team under the leadership of now sacked Andrew Wilson, lost 2-1 away from home.

However four months later it’s a tale of two struggling sides. The Daniels are next-to-bottom in the Evo Stik Premier Division with just three wins at the Zeeco Stadium all season, once in the league and twice in cup competitions, while Carlton Town are currently 19th in Division One South.

Just Jon Challinor, Jordan Smith and Tom McGowan survive from the 16-man squad which played Carlton Town last time out as manager Graham Drury has brought in his own people.

Down the road at the Haydon Whitham Stadium Deeping Rangers will be hot favourites to win their Hinchingbrooke Cup quarter-final at home to Huntingdon this evening.

Deeping, who signed former Posh winger Ryan Semple last week, are fourth in the United Counties Premier Division, while Huntingdon are rock bottom with just seven points from 31 matches.

Huntingdon did pick up just their third positive result of the season at the weekend though, a 0-0 draw with Harrowby.

The winners will have a long wait to find their semi-final opponents. Stotfold, Eynesbury and Peterborough Northern Star are their possible opponents. Stotfold tackle Eynesbury in their first round tie on Thursday (February 11) with the winners taking holders Star on in the quarter-final.

Mercury sports editor John Evely will be at the Zeeco - follow his Tweets @Mercury_JohnE for all the latest scores from both grounds.