SEVERAL matches catch the eye in Saturday's first round ties in the FA Trophy and right up among them is the local derby at the Victoria Ground where Bromsgrove Rovers will tackle near-neighbours Halesowen Town (3pm).

The match is expected to attract the best crowd of the season to date as these two old rivals go head-to-head.

Rovers, of the Southern League West, will be buoyed by Saturday's league victory at Taunton Town, which knocked the West Country side off the top of the table.

But they face a Halesowen side currently playing with considerable confidence - being third in the Southern Premier and coming off the back of a 4-1 win Brigg Town in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup. A match in which former Rovers player Steve Pope scored a hat-trick,and he'll be looking to put one over his old side.

Rovers, who have already exited the FA Cup and the Southern League Cup, will - according to manager Joe Jackson - be looking for something to boost their season and a Trophy run would be ideal.

"The team wants to put on a show for the supporters and it is all about having belief. We played well at the weekend, we are a good side and hopefully we can prove it."

In the Trophy last season Rovers beat Sutton Coldfield 3-1 in the Preliminary Round but went out in the first round to Weston 3-0 in a replay after drawing 1-1 away. Opponents Halesowen beat Stourport 4-3 in the Preliminary, Team Bath 3-2 in a replay in the First, before losing 3-1 at home to Hayes in the second round.