Stamford AFC travel to face Kidsgrove Athletic in the FA Trophy with the winners facing a home tie against Kidderminster Harriers

Manager Graham Drury feels the opportunity to keep playing competitive matches will be the biggest incentive for his Stamford side in Saturday’s FA Trophy clash.

The Daniels travel to Northern Premier League South East Division rivals Kidsgrove Athletic for the rearranged first round proper tie (1pm kick-off) after Tuesday’s trip to Staffordshire was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Autonet Insurance Stadium.

Although the reward for the winners is a home tie on Tuesday night against former Football League side Kidderminster Harriers with the victors of that match then receiving a bye to the fourth round, Drury is just relishing the return to action.

With their league campaign currently suspended until December 19 at the earliest due to the Government-imposed tier restrictions, the Daniels have not played since defeating Stourbridge in the last round of the Trophy on Saturday, October 31.

Drury said: “It is always disappointing when a game gets called off after everyone gets themselves all up for it, but I am slightly pleased that we get the chance to go there on a Saturday instead.

“There is always the chance of players tiring towards the end of midweek games after a long car journey and a busy day so there will be no excuses from us.

“We will be fresh and we don’t look in bad shape. The boys have done really well during lockdown and did everything that was asked of them.

“They have kept themselves ticking over and we will be raring to go. We’re in a good place and hopefully we can kick on.

“It’s just been great to see the boys again because, like I have said before, they have been a pleasure to be around for nearly two seasons now.

“They all want to play and we will have a fantastic bench on Saturday as well and everybody is pushing each other.

“It’s a real big test for us, but it does even it out a little bit because nobody has properly kicked a ball for a while. We’re looking forward to it though because we want to play.

“The big incentive is to have another competitive game on Tuesday because, if not, we don’t know when we will play again.

“It’s the big key because it will keep us match fit and it’s also important for the club because they have supported the boys as best they can financially during the lockdown so we really need to pay them back.

“It’s a win-able tie and, if we can another £3,000 back into the club for winning the game, then we really want to be doing that.

“We will be going all out to win it and hopefully the boys can really put on a show and play to their potential and, if they can do that, then I don’t fear many teams.

“It’s two very even sides though so it’s about who performs on the day and we have to make sure that’s us.”

Kidsgrove are currently fourth in the South East Division standings and have a 100 per cent home league record this season with three victories.

The Grove have defeated league leaders Leek Town on their home turf this season and Drury is predicting a tough test for his side.

He added: “Kidsgrove are in a good place this year and have had some really good victories. They are a force and will certainly be pushing for the play-offs.

“We’re both two games away from the fourth round which would be really nice, but we know Kidsgrove is a tough place to go.

“I’m not looking beyond it. It might have been a bit more exciting if we had the glamour tie of Kidderminster at home with a big crowd but it’s just another game of football now behind closed doors which is unfortunate.

“We’ll take one game at a time though and hopefully we’ll be playing again on Tuesday evening.”

The lengthy break from action means that skipper Sean Wright, midfielder Harry Vince and frontman James Hicks – who all missed the Stourbridge success – are available for selection again.

However, midfielder Jon Challinor faces a couple of weeks on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in training last Thursday night.

Recent recruit Cameron Johnson is cup-tied while Dec O’Hare has joined United Counties League Premier Division side Quorn on loan for a month after a spell out injured.

O’Hare netted on his first start for the Foxhunters – who are managed by ex-Daniel Cleveland Taylor – in their 3-2 win at ON Chenecks on Tuesday night.