HARROGATE Town boss Neil Aspin believes the turmoil at Witton Albion will have little bearing on tomorrow's FA Cup clash - which he deemed their most important game of the season.

Witton visit Wetherby Road without a manager after Gary Finley and assistant Lee Coathup resigned on Monday, 48 hours after a UniBond League defeat to Bradford Park Avenue which saw the second half delayed by 45 minutes due to an alleged assault by a player in the tunnel and Witton having both centre-backs sent off.

Reports since say Finley's decision was related not to that match but the budget he had. It left reserve team boss Jim Vince in charge for Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Ashton - another last-minute loss - and he will take the reins again tomorrow.

Aspin is, nevertheless, reading nothing into that apparent strife and, while he accepts his Nationwide North side are favourites, he said: "The Cup is the Cup no matter what the circumstances or what form you're in," he said.

"It's a one-off game and I saw enough on Tuesday to know they've got some good players and how important they think this game is."

Aspin is under no illusions as to how significant this third qualifying round tie is to his outfit too. "It's vital to a club of our size not only for prestige but for finances as well," he said.

Rearguard ruse

Harrogate Railway have a defensive dilemma ahead of Glapwell's Northern Counties East League premier division visit.

Centre-backs Scott Bairstow (knee) and Damien Henderson (calf) are out, though boss Martin Haresign hopes at least one will be back for Tuesday's trip to Thackley.

In the meantime may delve into the Academy, as in-form left-sided player Graham Whitehead may also be called up.

"The Academy lads are doing well and there's a temptation to put some in," said Haresign, who admits his side need to improve their consistency.

Rail dropped to eighth after defeat to Mickleover but, while Glapwell are at the lower end, Haresign reckons the standings tell a few fibs.

"There are one or two teams who have started well but I expect the likes of Sheffield, Selby and ourselves to be somewhere near, even though none of us has had a great start," he said.

"Glapwell are not a bad side. It's a funny league. Anybody can beat anybody and we've got to treat them with respect."

Updated: 10:58 Friday, October 07, 2005