WORCESTER City's class of 2001 will be aiming to emulate the class of '78 when they entertain Rushden & Diamonds in the first round of the FA Cup.

In years gone by St George's Lane has witnessed some memorable clashes including the humbling of Malcolm Allison's Plymouth Argyle in 1978-79 when they were sent tumbling out 2-0 in the first round.

The scorer of the winner that day was Jimmy Williams, a forward in the Darren Middleton mould.

Williams has vivid recollections of City's Cup runs under Nobby Clark, which also included a gallant 3-1 defeat at first division Coventry City in 1983.

The 48-year-old has fond memories of the flamboyant Allison, famous for his fur coat and cigar, who marched into the City dressing room and said to Clark: "You have my players and I'll have yours!"

"I remember as well that they'd just signed Barry Silkman for £80,000 from Manchester City," said Williams.

"Plymouth were getting on top against us and the ball went out and straight to Allison. Silkman went running over and said 'boss quick give us the ball' and Allison replied 'what's the use, you don't know what to do with it' and he gave it to somebody else."

In the Coventry match Williams played a big part in winning City a penalty after home goalkeeper Les Sealey punched his lights out.

"City coach Graham Newton and Nobby Clark told me to stand right on the 'keeper for corners. So when we won one I stood in front of him and flicked Sealey in the goolies and he turned round and punched me.

"I got up and just grinned at him and said 1-0 and he said 'it ain't ******* in yet' but Paul Moss slotted it home."

Williams is gushing of his praise for City's team which included a pacey right-back called John Barton.

"Every position was quality and we had no weak spots," he said.

Williams was transferred to play in the Football League for Walsall but admits it felt like a step down after his first training session with his new club.

"Worcester was more professional and I remember going back to my wife and saying ' what have I done?'"

Williams believes City can beat Rushden. "The biggest help is the crowd. Once they get behind them I think any Third Division side would struggle."