WORCESTER City ace Darren Middleton is on an FA Trophy mission after missing out on a cup final appearance two seasons ago.

The midfielder had to sit on the sidelines after being cup-tied for Forest Green Rovers' 1-0 defeat to Canvey Island at Villa Park and is eager to make his mark on the competition.

Middleton has billed Saturday's home clash with Aldershot Town as the glamour tie of the round and says confidence is brimming after City's return to form at Hastings.

"It should be a great game and we've had a few plaudits after the Hastings game so we are going into it with a lot of confidence," he said.

"I missed out at Villa Park with Forest Green because I'd played 15 minutes with Stafford and I'd love to do well with City because the FA Trophy is the pinnacle for non-league football.

"Aldershot are doing well in their league but we haven't got anything to fear and it's an occasion we can look forward to and enjoy.

"I'm expecting a very difficult match and I'm sure they'll be an organised and professional outfit but I know they had a free weekend and if they sent anyone to see us play at Hastings they will be well aware of what we can do.

"I think it is as good as we have played and we could have been eight nil up at half time and that is no exaggeration."

Middleton insists the league remains the priority, City having regained top spot in the Dr Martens Premier Division with their win at Hastings.

"We've gone out in a few cup competitions so this is a good chance for a nice little side attraction though we are all inspired to win the league," he said.

Middleton goes into the match with Saturday's dismissal hanging over his head but the 23-year-old has put his red card woe behind him. "It's the first time in professional football that I've been sent off but it's gone now," he said.

"The second yellow was a foul but the first wasn't. I'd survived two challenges and was clipped on the third and went down.

"I wasn't happy but at least I've got the Crawley game on the Monday straight after the Hinckley match which I miss."

Aldershot, meanwhile, returned to the top of the Ryman League Premier Division with a 2-1 win over Kingstonian last night.