THE announcement of the draws for this season's FA Cup competitions has boosted Redditch football fans suffering post World Cup depression.

Redditch United have been given an attractive home tie in the FA Cup Preliminary Round and Studley are getting set for their FA Cup debut at the same stage but it is the FA Trophy draw which will excite the Valley faithful.

The Reds are set to start on the road in the Trophy and will be hoping to renew hostilities with Western Division rivals Stourport Swifts, provided the Walshes Meadow side can negotiate a tricky Preliminary round trip to Dr Martens Western rivals Mangotsfield United.

The pair lock horns on Saturday, October 5th for the right to entertain Redditch on November 2.

Feelings are still running high between the clubs after United enticed Swifts manager Rod Brown to the Valley last season and the new United manager raided his former club for a number of signings.

With £700 up for grabs to the winner, United will fancy their chances in what is sure to be another highly-charged Worcestershire derby.

United will host either Grosvenor Park or Stafford Town in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday August 31.

Grosvenor are newcomers to the Midland Alliance league below Redditch after winning the Midland Combination last season, and will meet fellow Alliance side Stafford Town a week earlier.

United can bank £1,000 if they can repeat the 4-0 win over Alliance outfit Halesowen Harriers which launched a successful FA Cup campaign under Nicky Cross last season.

FA Cup debutants Studley have a tough draw at Dr Martens Western side Atherstone United at the same stage.

The Adders finished ninth in the table last season but Studley will fancy their chances after a fine run in the FA Vase last season.

The former BKL club are exempt until the first round proper of this season's Vase and will start their campaign on Saturday, October 19.

Lye Meadow bedfellows Alvechurch and Kings Heath are both on the road in the second round qualifying on Saturday, September 21 and can win £200 prize money from ties against sides who play at an equivalent level.

The Kingsmen face a long trip to First North Western Trains League Division Two side Norton United while the Church visit West Midlands Premier Division side Wellington.