ANDY Preece is targeting a lengthy run in the FA Trophy -- insisting it carries equal importance to the more glamorous FA Cup.
Worcester City mount their Trophy campaign at St George's Lane tomorrow with a third qualifying round clash against Kendal Town.
And the confident Cumbrians, fifth in the UniBond Premier Division, are no mugs with a ruthless 4-0 thrashing of Guiseley in the previous round showing their attacking prowess.
But so far this season, City can brag about a healthy record versus in-form lower-graded opponents.
In the FA Cup, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Tonbridge Angels and Chippenham Town boasted considerable unbeaten runs before falling at Worcester's feet.
City's player-manager Preece is hoping for another professional display.
"We want to do well in the FA Trophy -- there's no doubt about it," said Preece. "The FA Cup run has been great, but the FA Trophy is just as important.
"For me, just a victory will do. I just want us to get through this tie and into the next round, although a good performance would be a bonus.
"What is important for us is to keep the momentum going. We are on a good run, only losing two in our last 12 matches, and we want to keep it going for as long as possible.
"We've got Kendal covered and it's not going to be easy. Tonbridge gave us a difficult game at home and I'm expecting Kendal will be a similar sort of side."
Preece is expected to stick with the starting line-up that killed off Chippenham Town's FA Cup challenge.
Midfielder George Clegg made his case for a recall by scoring two excellent goals in the mid-week Worcestershire Senior Cup 3-1 victory at Stourport Swifts.
Clegg began and netted in the 6-2 Nationwide North success over Hednesford Town but was left out for the Chippenham replay.
Pacey teenage forward Troy Wood, who celebrated his senior debut at Walshes Meadow with a late strike, could be included on the bench following the tibia break to Jimmi-Lee Jones. The former Wolves man may be out for more than three months following the injury to his right leg.
Preece added: "There's a possibility of Troy being on the bench. We have got a lot of players fighting for places now.
"It's difficult leaving people out of the side, people like George. He understands the reason why he did not play in the FA Cup replay. I think he was disappointed rather than unhappy.
"He has started one game in eight weeks and did not look sharp enough to play in that Chippenham game. George knows me better than most of the players and he knows that I do what is best for the good of the team.
"For him, he just needs more and more matches under his belt. He showed what qualities he's got at Stourport, scoring two good goals. He's a good player with a great touch."
Kendal maintained their fine run with a mid-week county cup victory of their own, winning 2-1 at Fleetwood in the United Co-op Lancashire Cup.
n City officials have warned there is a "strong possibility" all tickets for the FA Cup second round tie against Huddersfield Town may sell out before kick-off tomorrow.
Remaining tickets go on general sale to the public inside the St George's Lane ground before the FA Trophy clash against Kendal Town.
Those wanting an FA Cup ticket must also pay to attend the match against Kendal.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so City officials have advised supporters to arrive at the ground early to avoid disappointment. Turnstiles open at 12.45pm tomorrow.
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