LONDON COLNEY will expect to extend their remarkable recent form in cup competitions when they meet Holmer Green in the first round of the Premier Division Cup on Saturday, February 2.

Having lost the most recent Premier Division Cup and Challenge Trophy finals only after penalties (last year's play was rained off), Colney Heath can claim to be undefeated in local cup competitions for more than three years.

Of course, this is assuming they avoided defeat against Tring Athletic in the semi-finals of the Herts Senior Cup last night (Wednesday).

But on previous evidence London Colney have twice beaten Athletic this season, despite both being poor away performances their record should still be intact come Saturday.

And it is unlikely to end there. League meetings between the sides this season have produced 3-1 and 6-0 wins for London Colney, and with manager Mickey Wright stating he will put out a full-strength side, Holmer Green should be a formality.

The Blue Boys will be without Dave Ross, after the midfielder collected five yellow cards and incurs an automatic one-week ban. Nicky Sweetman, "reliable and versatile," says his manager, is ready to step into the breach.

Also available again is keeper Phil Franklin after eight weeks in Mauritia, although he is not likely to supplant Graham Milner before Saturday.