IT was the tie he didn't want ¿ especially next weekend.

But Key West Rangers stalwart Armell Thomas says his side will give it their all when they take on Premier tabletoppers PHC in the FA Cup.

The fixture on Sunday week clashes with a golfing trip which will deplete Rangers with striker Paul Towlson away along with sweeper Burton Cox and Thomas himself after they had thought ties would be played on March 4.

Thomas told the Mid-Ocean News he had told friend the PHC coach Kyle Lightbourne he definitely didn't want to draw his side.

"And he told me they would have preferred a First Division side as they didn't want to take it for granted. It's a toughy for us, they are the top team in the country.

"They are gelling together. What can I say? We will have to put our best foot forward and go out and give it to them."

Two years ago when the teams met PHC triumphed 2-0 in what Thomas said was a close game.

He predicted Rangers would play deep and let PHC bring the game to them as the underdogs hoped for some luck on set pieces.

Thankfully some of Rangers injury woes, which saw a depleted side struggle for points early in the season, have faded.

Striker Ricky Mallory is back however there are worries that classy midfielder Karl Roberts won't be available because he manages Wolves who might be in action against Devonshire Colts ¿ if they can overcome Southampton Rangers first.

Asked for his prediction Thomas said: "It will be very close, probably there will be one goal in it. We have never embarrassed ourselves in the FA Cup so I hope we don't now."

PHC manager Cal Waldron said of Key West: "They are all calibre players from the past so we are not going to take them for granted or take it lightly. We will play our normal game because on the day it's knock out. It may look ugly ¿ but as long as you win."

Commercial league side Lobster Pot face Dandy Town. While Pot's league form has been mediocre with just three wins in 13 games they knocked out Prospect in the previous round and are also in the last four of the Commercial League Cup.

Club president and goalkeeper Brian Ward said of the draw: "It could have been better!"

He admitted he knew little of his opponents. "Their Commercial team is pretty good ¿ I assume their Premier team is even better."

Pot are hoping to get lucky but were excited to be playing Town said Ward. "You have to beat the best to be the best."

And unlike Key West Rangers, Ward predicted his side would be positive in its approach. "You can't sit back with this team ¿ we have to play our game."

Dandy Town's Maurice Lowe was on hand to witness the draw on Wednesday. He said: "We are not taking anybody lightly. In the FA Cup anyone can win."

***

Draw

Key West Rangers v PHC

St. George's or Boulevard v Social Club

Lobster Pot v Dandy Town

Devonshire Colts v Southampton Rangers or Wolves.