BUOYANT head coach Graham Kemp believes Bemerton Heath Harlequins have the firepower to win their crunch FA Vase third round tie with Wiltshire rivals Melksham Town on Saturday (3pm).

His charges have overcome some fierce battles on their way to the last 64, playing six games including two replays against Devon outfits Plymouth Parkway and Cullompton Rangers.

And if they can get past Melksham they will advance to the last 32.

But the visitors, who are third in the Toolstation Western Premier League, travel to Western Way in a rich vein of form.

Managed by Darren Perrin, Town have lost just one of their last 10 games. That defeat arrived on Tuesday night, where they were thumped 4-1 by Laverstock and Ford in the Wiltshire Senior cup – a competition they are the holders of.

“It’s big occasion for everyone involved and when we are at full-strength we know we are a good side,” said Kemp, who has had Melksham watched.

“There are some good sides at this stage of the competition.

“You need a lot of luck and on our day we are a match for anyone.

“I’m sure we can progress.

“We’ve got goals in us but just need to keep it tight at the other end.”

In the 2012/13 season, under the guise of Ian Chalk, Heath reached the last 16 of the competition where they were knocked out by Spennymoor Town, who lifted the trophy that year.

But Kemp says Bemerton are an entirely different proposition.

Talking of that feat, Kemp added: “Bemerton had an established side then but Jack Slade is the only player who is still in that side.

“We’ve started from scratch. You look at some of the other sides and Poole Town got to the semi-finals and Sholing won it.”

Bemerton have already had 33 games this season as they are still in four cups.

They were meant to travel to Sholing, the 2014 FA Vase winners, midweek in the second round of the Russell Cotes Cup.

But a frozen pitch saw the game postponed.

That meant they were able to have a few extra days rest in preparation of the tie.

Micky Hubbard is ruled out through suspension but Adam Costello and Jon Blake should be available.

And Kemp is urging the city to get behind Heath, especially with Whites playing away from home.

He continued: “It would be nice to get a good attendance.

And, if we can make it another round, it will take the pressure off.”

The odds on BetVictor show Bemerton 11/8, draw 7/2 and Melksham are favourites at 11/10.