BEWDLEY Town will step-up their pre-season preparations when they kick-off their friendly programme at home to Wyre Forest rivals Stourport Swifts next Tuesday.

Rod Brown is set to bring a full strength squad to Ribbesford Meadow for a match where plenty of local rivalry will be on display (7.30pm ko).

So far, Bewdley’s pre-season has gone well, with the squad being put through their paces by coach Richard Scott.

Joint-manager Craig Payton said: “The players have been working hard, they were running up hills in Stourport on Tuesday night, which isn’t easy in the hot weather.

“The Stourport friendly big game in pre-season for us, Rod Brown has them looking strong so it’s a hard game.”

After Swifts, Bewdley them tackle Causeway United on Saturday, July 20 (3pm ko).

Meanwhile, Town have been handed home draws in the FA Vase and Cup.

They will entertain Coventry Sphinx in the extra pre-liminary round on Saturday, August 17.

If they win, Bewdley tackle the winners of Westfield or Lye in the next round on Saturday, August 31.

In the first qualifying round, Town would be at home to Tividale, Alvechurch or Wolverhampton Casuals on September 14.

Town then start the Vase against Stafford Town on September 7 in the first qualifying round. If they progress, they will play the winners of Bromsgrove Sporting or Lye away on September 21.

Payton added: “They may be home games but both matches in Vase and Cup are very tough ones. I believe Stafford beat us twice in the league last season, while Coventry are always strong.”