IAN CLARKE Dereham Town manager Rob Taylor has demanded more passion from his players as they prepare for the biggest competitive match in the club's history against Chelmsford City in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday.

IAN CLARKE

Dereham Town manager Rob Taylor has demanded more passion from his players as they prepare for the biggest competitive match in the club's history against Chelmsford City in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday.

Taylor has promised changes to the side and possibly the formation after a “very disappointing” display in the 3-0 FA Vase defeat against Wroxham last weekend.

He acccused some of the players of thinking about the FA Cup and showing little passion against their Norfolk rivals in the Vase.

In-form Chelmsford, managed by former Canvey Island boss Jeff King, have jumped to fifth place in the Ryman League Premier Division after two victories in three days.

A 4-0 victory over Ramsgate on Saturday was followed by an excellent 3-2 triumph over high-flying Tonbridge Swifts.

Chelmsford are set to bring up to 200 travelling supporters with them and Dereham will hope for big support to swell the crowd over the 500 mark.

Some fans from both clubs have been warming up for the big match by trading banter on website chatrooms in recent days.

With Norwich City not in action until Sunday, the Magpies are also hoping for healthy support from local football fans.

That atmosphere is certain to lift the Dereham players but Taylor - who enjoyed several FA Cup tussles in his professional career - remains frustrated at the virtual no-show last Saturday.

“The players under performed on the day and a lot of the boys were not at the races and had their minds on this weekend," said Taylor, who revealed several players had been carrying knocks but had wanted to turn out for the team.

"Four or five players were at 70pc. We want boys at 110pc. They are honest lads and want to play but if they are carrying injuries they will struggle.

"I may have to freshen things up and make a few changes," said Taylor, who was particularly disappointed that the midfield had let the opposition so easily through.

"Last year we were solid and this year certain players are not performing like they should be. We will have to address the situation and there will be some unhappy people."

Taylor confirmed striker Danny Wright would be available despite his sending-off against Wroxham and that dismissal may be appealed.

Taylor has had Chelmsford watched, but lack of knowledge about their opponents is not a big issue for the Dereham boss.

"They do not know much about us and we do not know much about them. We have to worry about our own performances. If we play the way we can then we can give them a good game."