Worksop Town dreaming of FA Cup scalp

The Pitching In NPL East Division side visit Alvechurch of the Southern Premier League Central Division, and a win for either team would see them progress to the first round proper.

For Tigers boss Craig Parry, it is a chance for his group of players to thrust their names into club folklore and potentially set up a meeting with Football League opposition in the next round.

“It’s an exciting game for the club and the town, with us representing Worksop itself,” he said.

“To be involved at this stage, with the chance to get into the first round proper, is an exciting moment for us.

“We’re up against a very difficult side, and a side that is higher than us, so it’s another tough challenge.

"But it’s a game that we’re looking forward to, and hopefully we can try and go there and get the win that takes us into the first round.”

Alvechurch, Worksop’s opponents this coming weekend, are currently 17th in their league, which sits at Step 3 of the English football pyramid.

The game will provide a huge test for Parry’s men, no doubt, but the Tigers are currently unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, riding the crest of a wave which could see them make history on Saturday afternoon.

However, Parry admits form is irrelevant when it comes down to the magic of the FA Cup.

“With cup games, it’s a one-off match, so I think form really goes out the window,” he admitted.

“It’s a positive that we're in good form and the players are playing really well at the minute, so we’re hoping we can go there, give a good account of ourselves and try and take the game to them.”

A 1-0 win against Northern Premier League Gainsborough Trinity in the last round was enough to secure passage to this stage of the competition, with a goal from experienced summer signing Paul Green separating the two sides on the day.

Green also managed to get himself on the scoresheet in the previous round against Brackley Town, with Liam Hughes and Jay Rollins also making an impact on the day.

Parry stressed the importance of having players of such quality in the team, and admits the frontmen in his side have been invaluable in the early weeks of the season.

“They’ve been massive for us. They’ve all brought a lot to the table, and most importantly, they’re good human beings and professionals.

“That’s really helped inside the changing room.

“For us it’s not just on the pitch, it’s off the pitch with what they bring in, and they’ve really helped as a collective to bring the club forward.”

A good cup run for any non-league side comes with great financial success, and Parry also sees those rewards as a further incentive to go all-out for glory on Saturday.

“This is a good opportunity for us to give something back,” he said.

“I think it’s a duty of care for us as a management and players to try and do the best we can, to try and bring as much finances into the club as possible."

Photo credit: Worksop Town