Wimbledon hockey club’s men go into Europe this weekend for the first time in the club’s history, and they have done their homework.

Their debut appearance in the Euro Hockey League pits them against Amsterdam in the Dutch capital on Saturday.

Should they beat the League hosts, head coach Ben Hawes and his men will then face either Real Club de Polo or Club Egara, both from Spain, in the final eight of the competition.

Former Wimbledon men’s coach Ben Marsden, now in charge of the ladies side, admitted they go onto the continent as the underdog, but then again, that is fine by him.

“Amsterdam are a fast-attacking and very skilful side, but we feel the one area where they are perhaps not as strong as they could be is at the back,” Marsden said.

“We have been working on various routines, set plays and short corners to try to exploit that, as well as being best prepared in terms of defence.”

He added: “We have done our homework – we have put in some good preparation and we are looking forward to the challenge.

“But we also want to enjoy the whole experience, although the game against Amsterdam at 3pm on Saturday is the most important thing on our minds.

“We are going in as underdogs, but we are a big-game team.”

Domestically Wimbledon are still on course to defend their MHL Premier Division title after finishing fourth and qualifying for the play-offs.

They will face Holcombe, who have already qualified for Europe next season, in the first play-off at Lee Valley, with either Surbiton or Reading, and a spot in next season’s Euro Hockey League, awaiting the winner.

Marsden said: “Given the number of players who retired or moved on since last season, we’re very pleased to have finished fourth – that was the aim at the start of the season.

“There are no guarantees in the play-offs. Holcombe are a very good side, so we need to make sure we give Europe our best shot this time round.”