ARCH rivals Bromsgrove Rovers and Redditch United lock horns for the first time in two seasons today as they go head to head at the Valley Stadium (1.30pm).

The clash has been eagerly anticipated by both sets of fans, who were deprived of the match when Rovers were relegated to the Midland Alliance, and promises to get 2003 off to a flying start.

Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side go into the game having picked up three more points with a 3-2 home win over Rugby United on Boxing Day and they have also had a trip to Shepshed Dynamo last Saturday.

Adding extra spice to the local derby is the Redditch revival which has seen the Valley Stadium side climbing up the table in recent weeks. They too won on Boxing Day when they travelled to Stourport Swifts and collected the points with a 3-2 win.

Following the Boxing Day fixtures they had moved into sixth place, nine points behind Rovers and having played a game more.

New Year's Day promises a tight and tense duel and the likelihood of a bumper crowd as local rivalries are renewed.

In addition, the derby also sees striker Paul Danks and Matt Southwick returning to their former club.

Neil Cartwright, Steve Frost, Stewart Brighton and physiotherapist Lee O'Neill have also had spells with the Reds.

Rovers entertain Sutton Coldfield Town this Saturday (3pm).