MARK Harper insists he was not tempted to tap up former Hampton & Richmond Borough favourite Elliott Godfrey at Tuesday night's Middlesex Senior Cup semi-final with Hendon.

The ex-Watford striker (pictured) moved to the Ryman Premier side last summer following spells with AFC Wimbledon, Staines Town and Boreham Wood after leaving Hampton four years ago.

The veteran of more than 100 games in Hampton colours is still well thought of by fans at Beveree, but for Beavers boss Harper, he is old news.

Harper said: “I made an approach for Elliott back in the summer, making several calls and leaving messages, but never heard back him – and for me, that's a player who doesn't want to play here.

“Some players want to play at the highest level possible and others just like to enjoy their football, and I guess Elliott falls into the second category – and good luck to him.”

Hendon, who also lined up with former Football League strikers Isaiah Rankin and Darren Currie, posed a potential banana skin, but goals from Esmond James, Joel Ledgsiter and Dave Tarpey saw Hampton through 3-2.

They will now play another Ryman Premier side, FA Trophy giant-killers Wealdstone, in the final at Uxbridge FC on the evening of Easter Monday.

Harper has now challenged his side to take that cup form into the league, as they try to stave off relegation from Blue Square South.

Following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Chelmsford, the Beavers have three crucial home games in a row, starting with Truro City tomorrow and Dover Athletic on Tuesday.

Harper added: “We started playing from the first whistle against Hendon, and it's about bringing that attitude into the league games now.

“We picked up a few injuries, and will probably be without Joel Ledgister and Darren Powell on Saturday, but it's up to the younger players to step up to the plate.”