City are back in action this week in the Marsh Challenge Cup 2nd Round with a short trip to Pershore in what promises to be a tough local derby for Chris Cornes’ team against the team sat just outside of the playoff places in the Hellenic Premier Division in 6th place.

It’s been a week since City have last taken to action with last Saturday’s top of the table clash away to Royal Wootton Bassett being postponed due to the sub-zero temperatures, one in which players and management were looking forward too in order to continue chasing Corsham Town at the top of the table after 3 consecutive league wins. Last time out was also cup action for City managing to beat Cheltenham Saracens 4-2 in the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup, thanks to headed goals from both Elliott Hartley and Kirk Layton, a lovely solo goal from Jamie Insall and a sublime effort by Adam Mace straight from a corner.

The big news this week surrounding City has been regarding ticket sales for the exciting FA Vase Last 16 draw in which City are faced with another relatively short trip to Walshes Meadow where they will face Stourport Swifts who currently occupy 6th place in the Midland Football League. Again, this promises to look a tough test for City against a team renowned with their love for the FA Vase always managing to string good runs in the competition, Swifts managed to progress to this round after beating Ashby Ivanhoe 3-1. It has been revealed that the club has managed to sell 1,300 tickets for this eagerly anticipated fixture, on the verge of surpassing Swifts previous home record attendance back in 2017 against Hereford United. The club is yet again delighted by these ticket sales, indicating the City Faithful’s unwavering and unmatched support which cannot be matched at this level.

In the previous round City fought hard to overcome high flying Lichfield City with a resolute performance to seal a 2-0 win with late goals from Dylan Hart and Kyle Belmonte to seal City’s name in the hat for this round of 16 fixture versus Stourport Swifts. Lichfield play in the same league as Swifts, currently just off the top in 2nd place, potentially proving to look like a statement win for City in their pursuit of Wembley. However, the FA Vase isn’t the only cup which City are focusing their attentions on, currently still competing in each cup competition apart from the Worcestershire County Cup following the disappointing 3-1 loss to Droitwich Spa in November. This outlines Chris Cornes intentions to look to win as much silverware as possible this season, with the club still operating in a multitude of cups as well as challenging at the top of the Hellenic Premier Division, providing evidence of the strong squad the manager has at his disposal.

Focus turns to Tuesday night to continue a recent flurry of cup action in the Marsh Challenge Cup against Pershore Town in a game anticipated to attract another large attendance. Previously, in the first round of this specific cup, City overcame Cinderford Town in a high scoring 4-3 victory for the home side, where City’s youngsters were on display. James Batchelor started the game in one of his two competitive starts this season, whilst the game was one by fellow youth product Reece Day scoring the winner in the 90th minute after coming on as a substitute.

Pershore Town’s last competitive fixture consisted of a disappointing home loss to fellow play off pushing Fairford Town on the 13th of January, who came out victorious winning the game 2-1. Town managed to progress to the 2nd round of the Marsh Challenge Cup following a 4-2 win at home to league rivals Lydney Town. City’s backline may need to be aware of an ex-Worcester duo, with former City striker Sean Brain on 8 goals this season whilst club top scorer Joshua Willis has been in fine form this season racking up 17 goals in all competitions.

This midweek's Marsh Challenge Cup fixture may provide manager Chris Cornes opportunity to rotate his squad and get minutes into returning players. Kyonn Evans and Elliott Hartley both returned back to the starting 11 against Cheltenham Saracens after being sidelined with injury, two players who may be looking to start in this fixture. Whilst the game may also allow Calvin Dinsley and Dylan Hart to feature back into the team after short term injuries, to get valuable minutes before league action returns this Saturday away to 5th place Slimbridge, with the latter spearheading the teams recent fine form with 7 goals in his last 7 matches. Finally, Tuesday night may also be a chance for Logan Stoddart, Elliott Keightley and Liam Lockett to return to the fold after being rested last Tuesday night.

Pershore Town play at the Community Stadium, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1QU with the kick off time being at 7:45pm.