Harpenden Town return to the FA Cup after an 11-year absence a week on Saturday – and manager Danny Plumb is calling on the fans to help keep the adventure alive.

Town head to Cockfosters on August 6 for their extra-preliminary round clash, their first since a 4-1 defeat at March Town United in 2005.

Their season actually starts four days earlier when Tring arrive at Rothamsted Park for a Herts Charity Shield match.

But the big one is the FA Cup and Plumb called on supporters to prepare to travel in force to Chalk Lane.

He joked: “It is not quite Wembley but we are going to be just a few miles away in north London.

“It will be great if, despite the holidays, people from Harpenden and the villages come and back us.

“This is a big game for us and we are up for a tough battle.

“I also hope our supporters can get along for the home match against Tring because that will be great preparation for the FA Cup.”

Harpenden qualified for the world’s oldest cup competition by finishing fourth in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One last season, after a strong end to the year.

Plumb added: “We also overcame setbacks through injuries and players moving abroad so this season I am really looking for a massive commitment from our players.

“After last season’s success we now want to win the league and get promotion to the Premier Division.

“And I hope to announce some new signings shortly to strengthen the squad.”

Club chairman Roman Motyczak and a small team of dedicated volunteers have been busy in the close season.

Major draining work and re-seeding has been done on the pitch as part of a long term plan to improve the playing surface.

The ground has been given improved fencing and security cameras while the clubhouse has been improved with new fittings and exterior painting.

Motyczak said: “We are working hard to give the players the facilities they deserve and I would like to thank our doughty volunteers.

“We still have space available for more advertising boards and have other sponsorship opportunities so I hope more Harpenden businesses will back us to celebrate our run of success.”