The Plums will travel up the M5 and the M6 tomorrow, heading just north of Stoke-on-Trent to take on Kidsgrove Athletic in the Extra Preliminary Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup competition.

It's another really tough game for Danny Janes' side to be heading into, with Kidsgrove Athletic members of the Northern Premier League, a tier above that of the Hellenic League.

There is little doubt that The Grove will head into tomorrow' fixture as firm favourites but a Danny Janes Pershore Town side aren't one to turn down the opportunity of an upset, having beaten thirteen higher ranked opposition in his last spell with the club.

Kidsgrove finished eighth from twenty teams in Division One West of the Northern Premier League last season, Step 4 of the English Non-League pyramid. Winning thirteen of their thirty-eight games whilst scoring forty-nine and conceding fifty-five.

The club's best performance in the FA Cup came during the 2018/19 Season, reaching the fourth qualifying round to match their performance during the 2011/12 Season.

Kidsgrove Athletic are managed by former Kidderminster Harriers forward, Anthony Malbon, a role he's held since March 2023. At just 32, Malbon is into his second managerial job having previously steered the ship at Stafford Town for a period of twenty seven days.

If The Plums are to be successful tomorrow afternoon, they'll have to do a job on Robbie Hatton who recently joined Kidsgrove Athletic from Sandbach United. An attack minded player who could hurt Pershore from anywhere in the final third if given time on the ball.

Nat Morley will be another player that Janes' side will need to keep a close eye on, another player who likes to play forwards and very direct with his running.

The last player in the spotlight will be Josh Thorpe, a dominant centre back who will cause problems in the Pershore penalty box from set pieces if deliveries into the box are good.

As for Danny Janes' Pershore Town, they'll be a number of faces at Kidsgrove Athletic that were different to at Slimbridge, not least due to having a bigger squad for FA Cup fixtures.

There could be returns for Jordan Jones and Petar Tonchev whilst Janes will be hoping that Jake Bloomer can recovery from an awkward fall in a goal line clearance at Thornhill Park on Tuesday evening.

Cian Hodson could also come into contention for The Plums whilst Janes will hope for more attacking intent from Bailey Fuller and Dylan Parker who both found the back of the net at Slimbridge.

We head back to 1993/94 for Pershore Town's best run in the FA Cup, wins over Pelsall Villa and Atherstone United set up a Fourth Qualifying Round tie against Yeading with The Plums falling to a 3 - 1 defeat.

The last two appearances in the competition, 2008/09 and 2009/10, have both ended with Pershore Town losing in the Extra Preliminary Round.

Manager, Danny Janes, returns to the dugout tomorrow afternoon as he's expecting a really tough afternoon in Staffordshire.

"I am really looking forward to the game and it’s a privilege for myself and the staff to manage a Pershore team in the FA Cup for the first time in 15 years." said Janes.

"Kidsgrove will be the favourites as they are the higher ranked side, we will need to be at our very best if we are to progress to the next round.

"We are travelling there to win the game and nothing less. I’m very aware that if the players aren’t at the required level then they can really hurt us, but it is down to the players to ensure they meet the standard and deliver a performance that is worthy of the result we want.

"The players recorded a good result on Tuesday night under Tom’s guidance, we are desperate to build on that with a positive outcome in such a prestigious competition."

Meanwhile, should the game end in a draw, the game will go to a replay to be played at the Recruit 12 Community Stadium on Tuesday 6th August 2024, 7.45PM Kick Off.