As he prepares for the first cup game of the season, Chris Anderson is adamant that his team must do better in knockout competitions.

Vale take on Preston Athletic today in the Qualifying Cup having struggled to make an impact in any of the cups last season, including being hammered by East Kilbride in the Scottish and knocked out of the Qualifying Cup by East of Scotland Heriot Watt University.

Eight players were missing against EK last weekend and Preston will arrive at Victoria Park to find a squad still short of full strength. However Anderson still wants them to set out their intentions for better fortunes in the cups. He said: “Last year we didn’t do well enough in the cup competitions and our goal is to improve in all competitions this time out.

“We are still in the early stages of the season and with a number of players missing we find ourselves not quite at full strength.

“Our captain James Elliot is still injured and a few weeks away and we are also missing the experience of Andy Martin who we hope can make a return in the near future.

“Once everyone is fit and healthy it will be up to the players to stake a claim for a starting place.”

He also took time to discuss the latest addition to his squad, Kerr Allan. Despite his red card in the victory over Edinburgh University there are high hopes for what Allan can add to the team.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Kerr Allan. I have known Kerr for a few years now and he has been a player I was keen to work with.

“Not only is he a talented player but more importantly he possesses a great attitude and willingness to improve”, added Anderson.

Chris Anderson has vowed that his players will be up for the fight tomorrow, despite the fact that no-one will believe his depleted side can pull off a shock.

Last season’s runaway champions East Kilbride are the visitors to Victoria Park, after beating their hosts three times last season including a 9-1 thumping in the Scottish Cup. They have also started this campaign well enough, beating Dalbeattie Star 1-0 on the opening day before drawing with ambitious BSC Glasgow.

To make the task at hand even more difficult Anderson will have eight members of his squad unavailable but he will still demand that those players that are on the pitch give it everything in a bid to match EK.

He said: “Today’s game is our biggest challenge of the season so far. Not only are we playing the champions and an excellent side but we are also missing almost a full side due to holidays and injuries.

“It’s a free hit for us as nobody will give us a fighting chance. However I expect us to push them all the way.”

With so many missing out there will be opportunity for some others to step up and stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up in future.

“Keeping a large squad happy is a manager’s toughest task, however it’s never been so evident how much we need everyone”, added Anderson.

James Elliot, Andy Martin, Jason Stevens, Steven Lynch, Shaun Stevens, Craig McBride, Alex Imlah, Ewan Saunderson are the players he will have to do with out. The Victoria Park clash kicks off at 3pm tomorrow.