JOHN Robson believes the outcome of the Jewson Wessex League Cup final could boil down to pure professionalism.

Although league champions Eastleigh will start as favourites, AFC Totton boss Robson reckons the team that keeps their minds focussed and their bodies in check this weekend will have the edge.

By the time Monday's 3pm kick-off at AFC Newbury ticks around, over a week will have elapsed since the end of the league season. And, with this being a bank holiday weekend, players are bound to want to let their hair down and relax.

"With a free weekend on their hands, some of the of them might have a couple of pints. After all, they're only human," Robson smiled.

"So a lot could depend on who prepares themselves for it.

"Eastleigh are the best side in the league with the best players as they proved this season, but if we approach the game correctly we've got as good a chance as any team in this league of beating them."

Psychologically, Totton already hold the upper hand. Just over a fortnight ago, they comprehensively outplayed Paul Doswell's expensively assembled title-winners in a 2-0 win at Testwood Park.

Paddy James, one of the scorers that night, is among a trio of injury doubts for the Stags. The pint-sized former Blackfield & Langley striker has had a deep bruise on the bottom on his heel ever since that game, midfielder James Sherrington has a problem at the back of his knee and Pete Clark's old hamstring/groin problem flared up again in training.

While admitting that Totton's Testwood Park giant-killing was a great confidence booster for the final, former Alton and Winchester City boss Robson is wary of reading too much into it.

He said: "On the evening our players did exactly what I wanted and we probably played some of our best football of the season.

"Eastleigh, on the other hand, weren't on their game as much as they should have been and I can see Monday being a totally different proposition.

"The pitch at our ground did not suit either side and at Newbury the playing surface is going to be much better.

" I just hope the best side on the day lift the trophy. If that's Totton, it would be a great way to finish the season."