21st December 2024 was the last time Danny Janes' side played at the Recruit 12 Community Stadium, a combination of fixtures schedule and postponements have meant The Plums probably haven't played as much as they would've liked in recent weeks.

For our visitors, Fairford Town, they were in action on Tuesday evening away to Mangotsfield United in the Hellenic Challenge Cup.

Dan Bamana was on target for Fairford in that one, scoring to put the visitors ahead but Mangotsfield found the equaliser in the second half, taking the game to penalties. It was Fairford that progressed, winning the shoot-out 4 - 3 infront of a healthy 275 in attendance.

Reid's side are on the brink of the Play-Off places in the Hellenic League and a win tonight would put them into fifth place with eleven league games to go.

Jamal Lawrence leads the way in the scoring ranks, he has fourteen to his name so far this season. Now into his third season at Fairford, the former Cheltenham Town striker has notched up fifty goals for the Cinder Lane side and he'll undoubtedly lead the line once again this evening.

Charlie Holliday will be another player that The Plums will need to keep a close eye on. The wide man played at Step 4 for Anstey Nomads last season but after returning from University, he linked up with Fairford Town in the summer. With twelve goals to his name coming in off the flank, he'll be a constant threat throughout tonight's game.

A recent signing from Hereford Pegasus, Harrison Iddles, will provide plenty of energy and leadership in midfield alongside former Bourton Rovers captain, Danny Way.

Luke Hitchman will likely be at the heart of the defensive unit, the former Cheltenham Saracens defender is no-nonsense and The Plums front line will do well to get much change out of him.

Last time out, back in October 2024, Danny Janes' side secured an impressive 5 - 0 win over Fairford Town at Cinder Lane, but the hosts that day are a different side now! The most recent departure, Joe Shutt, returning to fellow Hellenic League side Slimbridge AFC.

The Plums are also somewhat different from that day, Reiss Taylor-Randle has been in impressive form since his arrival from Studley, whilst James Douglas was handed his first start last time out against Malmesbury Victoria after signing from Worcester Raiders.

There's also been the return of goalkeeper, Jude Franks, from Cheltenham Town. Jude has featured in the last five games for Janes' side and he'll be hoping to keep back-to-back clean sheets for only the second time in Pershore's season.

Aidan Clark still leads the way, and the line you'd imagine, in the scoring charts for The Plums. With fifteen to his name, he'll be in a hurry to try and surpass twenty for the season.

Clark is backed up by James Baldwin, the man with many nicknames (and many former clubs) has twelve goals this season and was in great form last time out against Fairford Town.

A recent injury kept Nathan Benson out of training but there's hope that he's recovered enough to be involved this evening whilst full back, Sean Cooke, is gradually returning to full fitness at a crucial time.

Janes' side are in good form coming into tonight's game, just one defeat in their last nine league fixtures but will the extended break have impacted the momentum that had been built up?

All eyes on 7.45PM this evening then down at the Recruit 12 Community Stadium, the only league fixture in the Hellenic League Premier Division this evening.

"This is a must win game for both teams with the table being so tight at the moment." said Janes.

"Fairford picked up a very good result on Saturday so will come to us full of confidence.

"We are in a good place in terms of results and performances, players must maintain the high standards they have shown and deliver a performance that merits the result we want.

"I am looking forward to the game with two good sides going head to head."