PERSHORE Town boss Danny Janes admits he is "delighted" with where his side are as crunch-time approaches in the 2022/23 season. 

The Plums reached the quarter-finals of the Smedley Crooke Cup in mid-week after a 3-0 win over 10-man Hampton, meaning they remain in three cup competitions as well as favourites to win the Hellenic League Division One title.

"The result leaves us with a final and two quarter finals to play in," said Janes.

"We are delighted with the position the team are in in terms of cup competitions and the league position.

"Hampton sat deep and kept their shape really well. The red card was obviously an advantage to us but it meant that Hampton sat back even deeper and were more compact.

"The players had to show positivity and patience in their play, as well as a real focus during transitions.

"I felt we struggled in the final third for most of the game, the final ball or the final decision let us down on numerous occasions but it was good to freshen up the side and to manage the minutes of players."

The Plums return to league action on Saturday with a four-point lead at the top of the table. Hartpury University have played two more games than Pershore in second, but it's third-placed Milton United who remain the threat to Janes' side's tittle hopes.

United sit five points off Pershore but have a game in hand and so any slip-up from Pershore could prove detrimental. 

The Plums make the short trip to league strugglers Littleton on Saturday, who look destined for relegation having won just one game all season and 12 points from safety.

As for Milton, they host 12th-placed Southam United, whilst Hartpury welcome Stonehouse Town to the University.