SOUTHEND Manor will revive memories of last season’s glorious FA Cup run when with a pre-season friendly at Kettering Town.

The non-league minnows went on the best run in their history as they battled through several qualifying rounds before losing against the Conference National side at Nene Park in October.

Now the teams will meet again at the same venue for a showpiece game on Saturday, July 7.

Steve Robinson, who has taken over as Manor’s chairman this season from the long-serving Bob Westley, said it’s a game they hope will catch the imagination of their loyal supporters.

Relations between the two clubs were further strengthened when Kettering’s supporters group The Poppies Trust took it up themselves to pay more than £3,000 in FA Cup money owed to Manor as a result of the game when Kettering got into their well-publicised financial difficulty.

Robinson said: “It’s a great game in prospect and we’re extremely proud to have arranged it.

“It will allow us to revisit the scene of arguably the club’s greatest triumph, and give our supporters the chance enjoy a day out there again.

“It will also allow us to meet in person and thank members of The Poppies Trust, to whom we will always be very grateful and hold in high regard.”

Manor will take a mix of established first-teamers from last season and trialists to the game.

The squad will be travelling to the game on a coach which has 25 spaces left for supporters on a first-come-first-saved basis.

It will cost £10 for a spot on the coach which will leave the car park at the Strawberry Fields hotel in Westcliff at 10am on Saturday.

Anybody wishing to travel should call Steve Robinson on 07788 580360 to reserve a place.

Southend Manor’s pre-season programme: Kettering Town (A) July 7; Seevic (A) July 21; Beckenham (A) July 21; Woodstock Sports (H) July 28; Tilbury (H) August 2; Grays (H) August 7.