Spencer, Hopley and Downey – who signed a two-year contract extension this week – were rested for last Saturday’s National League One trip to Esher. They are the only three changes to Jim Mallinder’s 24-man squad and return in place of Barry Everitt, Ben Lewitt and Grant Anderson.

Damien Browne came through his 25 minutes at the Pillar Data Arena unscathed and retains his place in the squad.

Mallinder says that the two league wins over the Blues need to be forgotten as his side focuses on tomorrow’s match at a sold-out Goldington Road.

“Neither side can afford to lose,” he said today. “Every club wants to win silverware and if we lose our chance of this trophy is gone. It is an extra motivation for what will be a memorable afternoon.

“The crowd is very close at Goldington Road and the atmosphere will be intense. If we repeat our first half performance of last week we will be facing a massive uphill struggle.

“Bedford gave us two tough games earlier in the season and with more local pride at stake I am anticipating a repeat tomorrow. We have to up our concentration and be at our best from the first whistle.”

Tomorrow’s man in the middle is Mark Wilson, who has been refereeing for 12 years and who ran the line for Bedford’s visit to Franklin’s Gardens in January.

There are a limited number of seats left on the club’s supporters’ coaches to Goldington Road. Tickets cost £12 and can be booked by calling Sue Hewitt on 01604 599112.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY BEDFORD BLUES
EDF Energy National Trophy quarter final
Goldington Road; Saturday, February 23rd, 2008; kick-off 3pm
Backs:
Joe Ansbro, Chris Ashton, Jon Clarke, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Johnny Howard, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, Carlos Spencer, Neil Starling.

Forwards:
Damien Browne, Chris Budgen, Mark Easter, Darren Fox, Dylan Hartley, Mark Hopley, Matt Lord, Alex Rae, Paul Shields, Tom Smith, Barry Stewart, Soane Tonga’uiha, Paul Tupai.