Malvern Town 'excited' to compete in first qualifying round of FA Cup in 17 years

The side are in cup action this afternoon, along with Redditch United and Bromsgrove Sporting

The next round of the FA Cup takes place this weekend
Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 31st Aug 2024

FA Cup action returns this weekend, with the first qualifying round taking place.

Redditch United, Bromsgrove Sporting, and Malvern Town are three of the teams looking to get themselves through to the next round of the competition.

For Malvern, it's the first time in 17 years they've made it to this stage, as they take on Cleethorpes Town.

Joint-manager Lee Hooper says he can't wait for the occasion, and the home support will be a big help.

He said: "It's always a privilege to play in the FA Cup, especially in front of our own fans.

"For the club, players, and supporters, it's great, and everyone is really looking forward to it.

"In terms of our preparation for the game, nothing changes, we trained this week as normal, and we prepared for the team we're playing against as we would do most weeks.

"It'll be important the crowd gets behind us, they help us go that extra yard, and if we get them turning up in numbers like we've already seen this season then that'll be massive."

Midfielder Lewis Spurrier has been at the club for three seasons, and is one of the players set to take to the pitch this afternoon.

The 23-year-old says the full squad are ready to go.

"Not everyone gets to play in the FA Cup, so we are relishing the opportunity," he said.

"We’ve started the season pretty well and have felt confident from the start, and we looked really good in both of the previous ties, so if we bring that same level again we’re more than capable of getting the job done."

In the other ties, Redditch United are also at home as they welcome Halesowen Town FC, while Bromsgrove Sporting travel to Belper Town.

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