Brindley back at Hednesford

But it should be a nice trip down memory lane for the boss, who enjoyed some of his finest footballing memories as a player and later manager of the Pitmen.

He is still etched into Hednesford folklore for his late winning goal in the club's FA Trophy final win of 2004 at Villa Park and, even now, still runs a pub across the road from the Keys Park ground.

But his former club and Rangers are fierce local rivals, so Brindley will have no divide come kick off.

The value of the cup at stake may not live long in the memory, but both sides are still expected to be strong.

The Rangers boss said: "It's has been put back that many times now that both teams will just want to play. Hednesford play Eastwood on Saturday and we have a massive six-pointer with Hyde, so it's fair to say that we both have other priorities.

"But it's a local derby, a lot of rivalry and it's a game we will want to win."

Nonetheless, changes will be forced on Brindley ahead of the short trip, with Steve Brannan and Jake Moult cup tied.

Defender Stuart Pierpoint sits out the second of a two-game ban, while goalkeeper Tim Sandercombe has emerged as a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Youngster Danny Allen stands by to replace him between the sticks, as the only other shot stopper on the books at Marston Road.

But the Rangers boss has promised a competitive line up at Keys Park.

He said: "Much like Hednesford, we haven't got masses of players to use, so apart from plugging the holes that need filling there will not be massive changes to the side. There's every chance Alan will come in and get a game under his belt, which will do him good.

"Tim might be kept out with his hamstring, so Danny Allen will play if he doesn't make it. He will have t0 - we have no other alternatives."