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Last season’s Derbyshire Senior Cup final victory over Borrowash Victoria meant Rovers had equalled Heanor Town’s record of four consecutive victories in the competition.

And Roves boss Frank Northwood makes no bones about the fact that he would love to see his side become outright holders of the record.

Gresley, however, were beset with problems today as they prepared for their clash with Influence Combination neighbours Stapenhill.

Key defender Stuart Evans limped out of Tuesday’s West Midlands League Cup semi-final at Westfields with a groin strain followed by Craig Weston with a painful ankle knock.

And with doubts also centring around the fitness of top goal scorer Brian Beresford Northwood was anxiously awaiting a roll call today.

“Stuart and Craig are both doubtful, while Brian went on holiday taking an injury with him,” he said. “I know Brian will be looking forward to playing against one of his former clubs so we’re just hoping he’s fit.

“Whoever plays, we’re expecting a tough one. We’ve obviously got every respect for Stapenhill – the man down there has done a super job and got them into an honourable position in the league.

“But they’ll have to work very hard to take our trophy off us. We’re looking forward to it but we’re not going there looking for any draws. We’ve got a foot in one final already this week and we want to make sure we’re in another tomorrow.”

Stapenhill go into tomorrow’s cup conflict in good heart after chalking up their fifth game without defeat against Northfield Town last week.

Manager Bobby Sykes said: “We’ve started to play pretty well just lately and we hope to build on that and do ourselves justice against Gresley.

“It should be a good game all round, but really I’ve been hoping we can keep our league results going along nicely. I think anyone would fancy playing Gresley in a semi-final. It’s a good advert for the area with two local sides in action and there’s a chance there to reach a cup final.

“Everyone at Stapenhill’s looking forward to the game, especially being a cup game, which has that extra bit of sparkle. The way we are playing it could be quite close, I would think, and funny things happen in the cup.”