WEYMOUTH will face Hendon in their “cup final” on Saturday (3pm), manager Bobby Wilkinson believes.

Bidding to reach the FA Trophy fourth round and match their performance in the 2021/22 season, Weymouth must first get past the resolute Londoners.

Hendon were until Saturday unbeaten in the league at home, when Swindon Supermarine ended that run with a 3-2 victory.

However, the Step 3 side pose a big threat to Weymouth and Wilkinson expects the hosts to rise to the occasion at Silver Jubilee Park.

He told Echosport: “What I want us to do is play like we did (at Torquay) and we’ll beat Hendon.

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“We’ve got to turn up now and not feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve been brilliant for the last two, three weeks so let’s continue that momentum.

“We’ve got to go against Hendon, it will be their cup final, they’re going to want to beat us and we’re going to have to play well to get into the next round.

“All I wanted was a chance to get into the next round and we’ve got that.”

Weymouth are in the unusual position of facing lower-league opposition in a cup tie, having only had that supposed advantage once this season when beating Highworth.

Asked how his players would handle the burden, Wilkinson said: “They’ve got a very good side, a lot of money there and a very good management team. They’re not a Step 3 side.

“It just proves it that they beat Eastbourne 2-0 in the last round. We’re in for a real tough game and we had them watched on Saturday. We’ll be favourites and it’s a challenge we have to take.”

Personnel-wise, Weymouth are in a predicament with Ben Winterburn (cup-tied) and Jordon Thompson (suspension) definitely out.

Brandon Goodship and Charlie Rowan (both calf) are doubtful, while Jared Thompson (thigh) missed the 3-1 loss at Torquay.

Teddy Howe returns and Calvin Brooks is available despite his red card at Plainmoor. Tyrique Clarke is still two weeks away despite being rushed into the squad to face Torquay.

Wilkinson added: “We reckon another two or three weeks. We’re just gradually bringing him in, remember he’s been out for a year with serious injury.

“I can’t wait to get him on the park, he’s looked good in training but he’s not quite ready yet.”

If the tie is level after 90 minutes, penalties will decide the result. Winners receive £4,500 and the losers £1,250 in prize money.