RUGBY Town head to the Trico Stadium this weekend looking to extend their FA Cup journey which has already seen victories over Coventry United and Evesham United.
Southern League Premier Central Division outfit Redditch are Saturday’s hosts, with Valley boss Carl Adams confident his side are up for the challenge of facing a side two levels above his in the non-League pyramid.
“We are looking forward to the game and in some respects it’s a bit of a free hit for us,” he said.
“We are looking strong at the moment, winning games and keeping clean sheets too – which is a massive bonus.”
Adams was speaking after Town’s 2-0 league victory at home to Holbeach United on Saturday, when Richard Blythe scored twice to lift his team up to third in the United Counties League Premier Division table.
Rugby have won five out of their six competitive outings so far this season, with the only blip being the 2-0 league reverse at Leicester Nirvana a month ago.
Adams reflected on the Holbeach success: “It wasn’t a great spectacle overall and we were far from our best.
“Four weeks back we lost a poor game at Leicester, but this time we won one and the momentum we have currently continues to build.
“The lads are looking confident at the moment, and there’s even a level of arrogance to the way they play at times – which I don’t have a problem with as long as they don’t become too cocky with it.”
The only real blot from the weekend victory was midfielder Stefan Blake sent off, meaning he will miss the next three matches through suspension.
Aside from the suspended Blake, Adams is expecting to go into the game with a full squad after Simeon Tulloch successfully came through his first half an hour of the season as a substitute against Holbeach following a long lay-off through injury.
Recent arrival Romario Martin also featured from the bench at the weekend, after Adams moved to sign the 19-year-old striker from Hednesford Town.
Adams added: “The squad is looking good for numbers and strength in depth at the moment.
“I know I can look to the bench and bring on quality players who will be able to make an impact on the game.”
Adams also confirmed Lee Thomas should be back available for selection after the left-back missed out on the last couple of Valley victories.
After the Redditch fixture, Rugby are back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Harborough Town in the first round of the UCL League Cup.
