GODMANCHESTER Rovers boss Karly Hurst has had more reason than usual to keep his family close this week. His side are preparing to face Kirkley in the FA Vase first round – the team who knocked out his nephew Jez Hall s side St Ives Town a fortnight ago.

GODMANCHESTER Rovers boss Karly Hurst has had more reason than usual to keep his family close this week.

His side are preparing to face Kirkley in the FA Vase first round - the team who knocked out his nephew Jez Hall's side St Ives Town a fortnight ago.

And the Rovers joint manager freely admits he has been on the phone for more than just a family catch-up ahead of Saturday's game.

Hurst said: "I'll certainly be popping round to see Jez this week as he's got some notes for me on Kirkley.

"We always stay in touch but this time there's an even greater reason to do so!"

Rovers defeated neighbours Huntingdon Town in the first round in a bad tempered game that saw three players dismissed.

The club will be running a coach to Lowestoft-based Kirkley, of the Ridgeons Premier League, and any fans interested in booking a spot should call 01480 413312.

Ridgeons League Division One

Debenham LC 5 Godmanchester Rovers 1

GODDY went down to a heavy defeat at high-flying Debenham to leave themselves just a place off the foot of the table.

Three first-half goals left Rovers with a mountain to climb but a Ray Allen long-range strike after the break gave them hope.

However, an error at the back from Stuart Wood knocked the stuffing out of Rovers and the game gradually slipped away.

Joint manager Karly Hurst said: "It was a case of them taking their chances and us missing ours.

"There's plenty of spirit in the club and we were missing a few players, so we're confident of turning our league fortunes around, but first we concentrate on the cup.