'It’s a competition that I love' - Russell Penn aiming to repeat Wembley journey with Halesowen Town
Russell Penn is hoping to recreate his FA Trophy success as a player with Halesowen Town, aiming for his first "good" cup run as a manager.
The Yeltz boss featured in the 2007 FA Trophy Final at Wembley for Kidderminster Harriers, who were narrowly beaten 3-2 to Stevenage Borough.
Having guided Kidderminsters to the FA Cup fourth round in 2022, Penn is now aiming for a memorable run in the Trophy with Halesowen, who welcome Leek Town in the third qualifying round tomorrow.
It comes after Halesowen were knocked out of the FA Cup in a replay at Aveley in Essex last Monday.
“We want to get back on the pitch and to winning ways because we have done that recently,” said Penn.
“It’s a competition that I love. I have got to the final and played at Wembley as a player, but I have never had a good cup run as a manager.
“I would really like one, but full respect to Leek Town, they are going to come and have a good go. There has to be a winner, so I am looking forward to it.
“Leek Town have a history of being a top team in non-league and I know they have a history with Halesowen, playing each other a lot in the 80s and 90s.
“It’s not a local derby, but they aren’t too far up the road.”
Winners at this stage of the competition will pocket £2,450 and enter the first round hat. Halesowen came within a win of Wembley just less six years ago when they reached the semi-finals.
The Yeltz hit six past Grimsby Borough earlier this month to advance in the FA Cup, and Penn hopes they can replicate that ruthless nature this weekend.
“Since that game, I know we have won two matches 1-0 and a couple of goalless draws, we have been playing some really attractive football at the moment, but are lacking that cutting edge at the top.
“As soon as we can get that back, we will be a team to be feared. But, we have got to make it happen, hopefully tomorrow.”
Elsewhere, rivals Stourbridge visit Anstey Nomads looking to progress into the first round for the fifth consecutive season. The Glassboys' best run in the competition came in 2021/22, when they reached the fifth round.
Darryl Knights' side sit 16th in the Southern Central Premier and are winless in their past four matches in all competitions.
Hednesford Town travel to Harborough Town hoping to bounce back from their midweek FA Cup defeat to Billericay Town in Essex, while Rushall Olympic host Spalding United looking to end a four-game winless run.
In the National League North, Kidderminster Harriers visit Peterborough Sports, looking to extend their unbeaten run to six league matches. Peterborough are now managed by former Harriers boss Phil Brown, who departed Aggborough at the end of last season.
