The FA Cup returns to Sixways Stadium this Wednesday! Worcester Raiders take on Malvern Town in a Preliminary Round Replay following the pairs 3-3 draw on the weekend. An away trip to Worksop Town is at stake on Wednesday, as the two Worcestershire sides battle it out for a place in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round.

Raiders' first FA Cup campaign has been far from smooth sailing so far. Wednesday evening will be Raiders' second replay so far in this year's Cup. Worcester Raiders defeated Daventry Town 4-2 in the previous round at Sixways after drawing 2-2 at Elderstubbs in the initial tie. Malvern defeated Worcester City in the previous round to get to the current stage.

Saturday's game was a traditional cup tie result that you would expect to see in a later round. A crowd of 757 witnessed a mouth-watering 3-3 draw with a red card in a local derby. From the first whistle, it was clear that Raiders wanted to progress. Striker Jordan Murphy caused the Malvern backline all sorts of problems, as was Isaac Cooper on the left who was challenging the Hillsiders' full back.

It was Malvern who would take the lead against the run of play, however, when Dave Reynolds lashed at a failed clearance from a corner with 12 minutes gone. Raiders early dominance was shortly backed up, when Jordan Murphy won a penalty on 16 minutes. Unsurprisingly, the striker converted his penalty and Raiders were back level.

It wasn't until the stroke of half time before we would see another goal in this 6 goal thriller. None other than Club Captain Joe Billingham put Raiders into the lead for the first time in the cup tie for his 3rd goal of this FA Cup campaign. Isaac Cooper's delivery was perfect for Billingham to nod in.

The second half had as many goals as the first. Isaac Cooper fired in a penalty to make it 1-3 to the visitors on 49 minutes and it looked as if Raiders had sealed the game and put their name in the hat. It wasn't that easy for Raiders though. Similarly to recent games for Raiders, one moment can change a game. Syrus Warren-Paul was penalised for barging a Malvern man, recieving a red card and giving away a penalty in the process. Malvern were back in the game as Joe Bates cooly slotted his penalty past Ryan Young.

Within the space of 10 minutes, Malvern had equalised. James Febery headed home a scramble in the box on 72 minutes. The Hillsiders were on top for the final 10 minutes, putting some dangerous pressure on the Raiders backline, who had their backs against the wall after the red card. Town just couldn't find that killer ball they were after and the tie was taken to a replay!

Looking ahead to Wednesday evening, supporters are in for a similar affair. Syrus Warren-Paul will still be available for Raiders, as his suspension is not active until 7 days. It will be another family affair in the Sauntson family too, as cousins Jay Sauntson and Adam Sauntson will clash at Sixways Stadium, with the bragging rights shared at Malvern's HDAnywhere Community Stadium. This summer, Centre Back pairing Jay Sauntson and James Timmins joined from Malvern Town and recently, Club Captain Joe Billingham was involved in the Malvern's set up. There's plenty of bragging rights at stake in this local derby.

League rivals Malvern Town have had an decent start to the season. They have only lost 1 game and wins against Lydney Town and Tuffley Rovers have helped propel the Hillsiders to 3rd place in the league, one place above Raiders having played a game more. Fans Favourite Matt Turner has netted 4 in 6 games this season and will be one to watch!

We look forward to welcoming Lee Hooper, Stephen Cleal, staff, officials and all the Hillsider fans who make the trip to Sixways on Wednesday.

Kick off is at 7:45pm.

Due to unforeseen circumstances at this current time, it will be cash only on the turnstiles for our FA Cup Replay with Malvern Town. We are working to find a solution so fans can pay by card.

It is going to be a huge day and occasion for us all. We’re expecting a big crowd so please arrive with plenty of time as there will be queues. The club would like to mention how very grateful we are for all of our committee members and the staff at Sixways Stadium who will be volunteering on Wednesday evening. It goes without saying that it has been a challenging few days for everyone involved and connected with Sixways Stadium.

Prices at Sixways Stadium are as follows:
£7.00 Adults
£3.00 Concessions (over-60's, students with valid ID)
£1.00 Under 18s

Sixways Stadium is conveniently located just off Junction 6 of the M5 motorway. There are also over 1000 free parking spaces available. Worcester Foregate Street Station, Worcester Parkway and Worcester Shrub Hill Station are all less than a 15 minute drive away.

Sixways Stadium
Warriors Way
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR3 8ZE