TENBURY Town manager Darren Worthington admits he wants to be smiling at the end of this month.

Worthington’s men will be struck with cup fever throughout January.

Town kick of a series of knock-out matches with an important HFA Junior Cup quarter-final tie at Ewyas Harold Reserves this Saturday.

Worthington has watched higher-graded Harold in action and thinks it will be a tough test for Town.

“Harold could be a tricky away match because they are a division higher than us and they have a young, fit side.

“I saw Harold play against Tenbury United earlier this season – and United needed to come twice from behind in the game.

“We shall be looking to be keeping our guard up and make sure they don't get through our defence who are at the top of their game at the moment.

“We have a fit and determined side who will, no doubt, make it difficult for our opponents and will be eager to get into the next stage.”

Alex Lombardi bagged a treble as Town booked their spot in the quarter-finals after thrashing Dore Valley 6-1 in a second-round tie in November.

Adam Everall, Alex Bright and Dave Coupland also netted for Town/

Town will host another Division One outfit, Orleton Colts, in the Leintwardine Cup before to travelling to Knowle Reserves in the Worcestershire FA Saturday Minor Cup.

Worthington added: “We shall take each cup tie as it comes and, hopefully, I will be smiling with happiness at the end of the month.”

Meanwhile, Tenbury United player-manager Aaron Morris wants his side to put on a better display against rivals Ledbury Town Reserves this Saturday.

Morris’ men are unbeaten and top of Herefordshire League Division One but dropped their first points of the season at New Street.

United drew 3-3 against a strong Ledbury side in their last outing before Christmas.

Tom Farr left the pitch with a knee injury and Morris is hoping he will be fit and ready for action.

Morris said: "We gave a dire display at Ledbury and we couldn't be much worse than we were that day.

“It will be interesting to see what sort of a side Ledbury put out against us this time.”

United have won have won eight and drawn one of their nine league matches.