The Saltmen travel to Stoke this Saturday for a momentous occasion in the Emirates FA Cup and a first ever visit to Northern Premier League Division 1 West side Hanley Town.

Quentin Townsend's men progressed to the Preliminary Round stage of the famous competition for the first time courtesy of a 0-2 win at Dudley Town in the Extra Preliminary Round, and will be looking to further write themselves into club history in the Potteries at the weekend.

They face a stern test at Step 4 Hanley Town, who defeated Stourport Swifts at Walshes Meadow in the last round.

Hanley hit the headlines in the early 2020's after several big name, ex-professional signings including Ricardo Fuller, Ryan Shotton, Chris Dagnall, Louis Dodds and more recently, Tom Pope.
Promotion to Step 4 followed for the Blues, and they remained in the NPL 1 West for three seasons before relegation in 2024-25. After just one season in the MFL Premier, Hanley returned to Step 4 where they will be hoping to make a big impression.

Last season, Hanley were crowned MFL Premier Division Champions as they won the Division with 76 points losing just twice all season!
They also scored 91 goals in the 34-game season and leading scorer Lewis Porter found the net 33 times in 35 games in all competitions.
Town managed to retain the vast majority of last season's title winning squad, and danger man Porter is also off the mark this campaign having netted twice in Hanley's opening League game; a 3-0 win over Wythenshawe.

Town have FA Cup pedigree, having previously reached the 3rd Qualifying Round on two occasions before being defeated (on both occasions with a Replay) by higher ranked Brackley Town & Chester FC respectively. Last season, they reached the 1st Qualifying Round before being beaten by Step 3 side Stourbridge.

After two wins in their opening two games in all competitions, Hanley registered a fine draw Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, and were in League action again on Tuesday night at Atherton Collieries where they tasted their first defeat of the season, 1-0.
Hanley will certainly be seen as favourites to progress in this Cup tie, but The Saltmen will go to Stoke with the pressure off and will be looking to spring a surprise.

Having lost the opening two League fixtures, Droitwich were bouyed by an impresive performance and win at Dudley Town, before the weekend's disappointing Isuzu FA Vase defeat on penalties against Coventry Copsewood. Spa will be looking to get back on track and further write their names into club folklore in The Potteries at the weekend, however will be without the suspended Nathan Binner and the unavailable Rohan Levy.

There is a coach running to this fixture, with just 3 seats remaining leaving the Droitwich Leisure Centre at 11.45am, returning at 7pm.
The cost of a seat is £15, and we hope to see the Saltmen faithful out in force yet again for this historic day for our club.
To book a seat, please contact: admin@ds-fc.com

Matchday information below:

Ground Address: NBe Brokers Stadium, Abbey Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8AJ

Admission: £10 adults, £5 Concession, £2 ages 12-16

Ground facilities: Covered seating, covered standing, Bar on site, hot & cold food & drink on sale, digital programmes, cash & card accepted, street parking only (please park considerately).

Distance: 63 miles / 61 mins

Nearest pub: Travellers Rest