BEMERTON Heath Harlequins' and Downton’s luckless form in the league will have no bearing on Saturday when the two go head-to-head for a place in the Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final.

The quarter-final at Wick Lane is the first time the infamous derby is played this term, with the pre-Christmas clash postponed.

Jeff Softley’s Robins, lingering near the foot of Sydenhams Premier Division, haven’t won since October with a 3-0 defeat at Whitchurch being the most recent setback, while Heath have crashed to three consecutive defeats.

“We’re struggling at the minute with injuries and suspensions,” rued Bemerton manager Ian Chalk.

“It’s a cup we’ve won before and aim to progress once again. Although it’s a local derby, it’s just another game for us.”

Folland Sports were the latest team to beat the Western Way outfit on Tuesday night 3-1, despite Steve Whitcher rushing them into an early lead.

But a throng of bad refereeing decisions left them reeling to another defeat, just days after narrowly losing at leaders Sholing 2-1.

“He was the worst referee I’ve ever come across, it was beyond a joke,” added Chalk.

“Some of the decisions were laughable. We were poor but bad decisions played its part in the defeat.”

“He didn’t know the rules of the game, and it was a comedy of errors.”

· Full report and pictures of the derby in next Thursday’s Journal.