REDDITCH United have been handed the toughest possible FA Cup test - a trip to Blue Square North leaders Kettering Town.

But the second qualifying round draw pleased the Reds boss who predicts it could be the game of the round.

United slumped out of the competition at the same stage in the last two seasons, losing at home to Woodford United and Wisbech Town.

"We have had chances to progress against so-called inferior opposition in the past and look what happened," manager Gary Whild explained.

"Now it's our turn to be the underdogs and let's see what happns.

"It is going to be a great tie against a good club who have started the season impressively.

"There is certain to be a big crowd there so at least it will give us a chance to make a bit of money. The players will be under orders to draw at their place and then to beat them in the replay back at the Valley!"

The Reds were set for a trip to Lincolnshire last night for the league match at Gainsborough Trinity. And they face another tough test this weekend when one of the pre-season favourites Southport are at the Valley Stadium.

Midfielder Lee Downed was set to make his return at Gainsborough having served his three-match ban for a red card at the end of last month.

And Whild was also hoping to have injured pair Exodus Geoghaghan and Matty Clarke back from injury.

"With the resources we have at the club we cannot afford to be without those sort of players," Whild added. "You can often cope with one or two missing but not with the numbers that we have been without lately, we have been feeling it.

"Damien Markman had an hour for the Reserves against Telford last week. He scored a good goal and showed what he is about. He should be close to making a start."

United were beaten 3-0 at Boston United on Saturday with teenagers Shane Healy and James Johnson in the starting line-up.

"It was a difficult sort of test for them," Whild explained. "There was a big crowd and we were without a number of key players. But Shane was one of the highlights again and came through with flying colours."