Tower have never reached the last four of the competition and were knocked out at this stage last year.
They have reason to be confident going in to the tie, however, as Wincanton play in Division II of the Wessex County League – and Philpott’s men comfortably beat Wessex Premiership outfit Welton Rovers 2-0 in the last round.
‘Without a doubt I’m optimistic,’ said manager Philpott.
‘But we musn’t be complacent.’ Tower’s squad is boosted by the return of former Island player John Rutter – but while Philpott has gained on the one hand, he’s lost on the other.
‘It’s one in and one out,’ he said.
‘We’ve got John back but we lose Chris Carter to a leg infection.
‘He picked up the injury when we drew with Trinity – it’s not serious but he’ll be out for about a week.’ Tower have a double boost in the form of UK-based Andy Dewhurst and Mark Lucas, however.
‘They’re both at university,’ said Philpott.
‘But it’s not far away, so we’ll meet them over there.’ Squad: Casey Hickling (gk), Matthew Swinburne, James Prendergast, Andy Dewhurst, Mark Lucas, Chris Conning, Jody MacCarthy, Lee Harvey, John Rutter, Bradley Russell, Scott Walsh, Ryan Durand, Martin Higgins, Blake Applegate, Joel Lucas.
