REDDITCH United is gearing up for a nostalgic November which kicks off against Merthyr Tydfil in the FA Trophy first round.

It was just six months ago when coach loads of the Reds faithful travelled to the Martyrs ground in deepest Wales and witnessed United outplay their opponents to progress to the Conference North.

And there's no doubt the Welsh side will be gunning for revenge and the £1,800 prize money when Saturday comes (KO 3pm).

But November will also witness former United player and manager Rob Smith return to the Valley for the first time since his acrimonious departure in April 2001.

Smith brings his Willenhall Town team for the Birmingham Senior Cup second round.

Smith was sacked as manager of the Reds and left with his assistant Larry Chambers and coach Paul Molloy.

Since then Smith took over as boss of Unibond League Division One's Willenhall Town in December 2001 and the teams are due to clash on Tuesday, November 16 (KO 7.45pm).

Redditch United chairman Pat Cremin said: "It obviously wasn't a nice way to leave a football club but Rob was a great player here and when the club gave him the opportunity to manage he did it to the best of his ability.

"We welcome him back here but we expect to beat them - I don't want to build it up but it will be a competitive football match."

Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday will be a different contest for Redditch as the Martyrs have been beaten just once this season in the Southern League Premier.

Cremin added: "We've had some tremendous games against Merthyr in the past and there's no doubt they'll be up for it.

"They are where they are because of us and will have a point to prove."