PROLIFIC marksman Danny Gower will be missing Woofferton’s HFA Burghill Cup semi-final clash at local rivals Orleton Colts this Saturday.

Gower, who is an AFC Ludlow target, grabbed seven goals as in-form Woofferton thrashed Orleton Colts Reserves 8-1 in last weekend’s Leintwardine Cup semi-finals.

Woofferton have won their last four matches and defender Dave ‘Magnum’ Thomas insists the club’s recent signings will step up to give Orleton a difficult afternoon.

“We won't have Danny Gower because he's away with his family, but I am sure the new signings we've made recently will allow us to give Orleton a good game,” said Thomas.

Orleton have just climbed above Woofferton into third place in Herefordshire League Division One and have beaten their rivals twice this campaign.

Orleton will also be out to avenge last season’s defeat to Woofferton in the final of the Leintwardine Cup.

The winners will play Bromyard FC who claimed Brimfield FC’s scalp last weekend.

“We are third in the league and in three cup semi-finals, so it has been a good season,” said Orleton boss Kristian Morgan.

“We have played Woofferton twice this season – we have beaten them 4-1 and 2-1 but those results won’t have any influence on Saturday’s match.

“It is a derby game and it will be very difficult.

“We have reached five or six cup finals in the last few years and we have lost them all.

“Martin Jones is playing very well and Kelvin Thomas has done well in goal.”

Goals from Will Caswell, Kyle Whitticase and Shane Jennings led Orleton to a 3-0 league win at Hinton Reserves last Saturday.

Woofferton fought back from 1-0 down against Orleton Colts Reserves last weekend after Rob Godding had put the reserves ahead.

Woofferton levelled before half-time and the inclusion of Ryan Gower in the centre of midfield changed the game.

While seven-goal Danny Gower took centre stage, Keanu Cooper, the son of AFC Ludlow boss Dave Copoper, netted his maiden goal for Steve Chadd’s Blues.