TIVERTON Town boss Martyn Rogers hopes history will repeat itself when it comes to the Southern League Cup this season.

Back in 2006/07 the Yellows were offered respite from their scrap against relegation from the Southern League Premier Division by the cup competition and eventually went on to win the trophy thanks to Chris Bale's heroics in a two-legged final against Hemel Hempstead.

This year the Red Insure League Cup again represents a welcome break from the slog of the league for Tiverton and Rogers is hoping his side will capitalise on that feeling.

But Tivvy will have to wait for their next game in the competition, as tonight's scheduled third round tie at Yate Town has been postponed.

Rogers said: "We will be giving the competition our best shot, it's a nice game to play outside of the league.

"Two years ago, when we won, it was a good competition for us to be in because it offered a bit of light relief from the league — a welcome distraction."

Yesterday's postponement would have come as a disappointment for Rogers, as he had a fully-fit squad to choose from.

However, Rogers' squad has become smaller in recent weeks as he has farmed out youngster Glenn Gould to Dawlish Town on loan and fellow midfielder Josh Ford has been allowed to join Blue Square South outfit Weston-super-Mare.

Rogers said: "Josh wasn't getting in our side so I wouldn't say I was worried about him leaving. His fitness levels weren't as good as the rest of our boys. He thinks he can get a game at Weston, so fair play to him.

"He also wanted to play central midfield and Jamie Hatch, Mark Saunders and Colin Marshall were just ahead of him.

"Glenn is just at Dawlish on loan to get him some match time, but he has had a bit of a knock on his knee so I don't think he will be in action for a day or two. We have lost those players but we will go with what we have got at the moment and hopefully we will be fine unless we get some injuries."

Tivvy have now gone for more than a month without a game as their last outing was on December 12, when they beat fellow strugglers Bedford Town 2-0.

The Yellows have also been unable to train together over the past week because most of the players have been unable to travel to Ladysmead.

Yet Rogers says his players have been training on their own and is confident they will be up to the task when they are eventually called upon.

He said: "The break in play has been good for us because all of our injuries have cleared up, but it could also distract us if we are not sharp.

"There are lots of sides in the same position so I don't think it will make a big difference.

"We missed out on training last week because the players couldn't get in, but they will have trained by themselves so they will have kept their fitness up."

Tiverton are due to be back in league action on Saturday when they travel to rock bottom Rugby Town.

The game will represent a good opportunity for the Yellows to get another win under their belts and haul themselves out of the Southern League relegation zone, as the Valley are yet to win at home this season and have only claimed six points all term.