IT is set to be a historic day for Pershore Town this Saturday as they embark on the Isuzu FA Vase first round proper for the first time in 22 years.

The Plums could not be in better shape ahead of welcoming Step 5 Atherstone Town to the Community Stadium this weekend, sitting pretty at the top of the Hellenic League Division One table and unbeaten in all competitions so far in the 2022/23 campaign.

Under manager Danny Janes, Pershore have become one of the most in-form non-league sides in Worcestershire and, last season, won three cup competitions, including the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup.

Unlike the Adders, The Plums just missed out on promotion to Step 5 last season and so, head into Saturday's mouthwatering tie as underdogs by the way of being a league below their visitors.

But Pershore have established a reputation as being giant killers, having beaten the likes of Redditch United, Bromsgrove Sporting and Worcester City en route to winning the WFA Senior Cup last season

"Atherstone are the favourites based on their size, their history and their league status," manager Danny Janes admitted.

"But we thrive off challenge, we will do everything we can to match them. If we are at our best then we have a chance, a great chance, if we aren't then Atherstone will hurt us.

"The players will be prepared and ready to go, it's how well they can execute our game plan which will be the key."

Boss Janes was full of praise for this weekend's opponents and expects the toughest of challenges.

"Atherstone are a huge challenge for us, they are a big club who have a great pedigree," said manager Danny Janes.

"They are a well established club who have the foundations in place to keep progressing. I was impressed when we went to watch them against Studley.

"They dominated the game, they had clear structure to their play and rotated positionally really effectively."

Should Pershore cause an upset on Saturday, they will reach the second round of the Vase for the first time since the 1996/97 season.