Chorley manager Andy Preece set for emotional FA Cup tie against hometown club Worcester City

Andy Preece admits it will be a very special personal moment for him this weekend when his Chorley team host his hometown club Worcester City in the FA Cup.

The two clubs clash in the final round of qualifying of the competition – a place in the first round proper and a potential tie against Football League opposition the prize for the winners.

Having begun his playing career at Worcester, Preece revealed it was one of the highlights of his career when he guided the club through to the second round proper of the competition as manager.

In 2005, City beat Chippenham Town 1-0 at their former ground, the historic St George’s Lane in the first round before bowing out in the next to Huddersfield Town narrowly 1-0.

Of course, Preece was Jamie Vermiglio’s assistant as Chorley enjoyed a spectacular run in 2020/21, beating three Football League teams – Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United and Derby County – to reach the fourth round.

Handed a plum tie against then Premier League outfit Wolves in the fourth round, the Magpies were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Victory Park live on national television.

Despite being a veteran of many FA Cup campaigns as a player and manager, Preece never tires of the competition and is hoping to create yet more memories, even if it is as the expense of his boyhood club.

He told Chorley FC TV: "Our opponents on Saturday, getting them through to the second round of the FA Cup at St Georges Lane. It was probably one the biggest games in the club’s history in the FA Cup.

“That was a big moment for me being a Worcester lad and seeing St George’s Lane absolutely packed.

“To be able to have those memories, I feel really lucky and to be drawn at home to Worcester, it brings back those memories but with an opportunity to get into the first round.”

Despite his affection for The Faithful, Preece is totally focused on seeing the Magpies progress and hopefully picking up their fourth win on the spin.

They have enjoyed a couple of 2-1 victories in the National League North over Spalding United and AFC Telford United, with a 4-1 win over Barton Town in the FA Cup sandwiched inbetween.

“There’s a game to be won and it’ll be a difficult task,” Preece said. “Worcester had a great result at Kettering, who I think had gone 12 unbeaten at home.

“That’s a really tough place to go so for them to go there and win so comfortably shows what they are capable of.”

Other fixtures: National League North: Southport v Radcliffe; NPL Premier: Bamber Bridge v Workington, Lancaster v Leek; NWCL Prem: Euxton v St Helens (tonight), Abbey Hey v Charnock, Longridge v Burscough; NWCL First Div North: Fulwood Amateurs v Ashville, Garstang v Daisy Hill.