FA Cup kick-started Williams' football career

After beating Coventry at the Ricoh Arena, Worcester forced two draws with Scunthorpe before the longest ever FA Cup penalty shoot-out as the Iron eventually won 14-13.

His performances in those underdog televised FA Cup games, Williams believes, allowed him to get back into the professional game after he was released by MK Dons as an 18-year-old.

"I was playing well there, the replay was midweek and a day later, Barnsley called," said Williams. "It gave us a chance as Worcester to show what we could do against higher opposition and got me the move, I guess.

"We had a great season but the FA Cup was special. We went to Coventry and beat them at the Ricoh which, for as non-league club, was incredible. In the second round, we drew Scunthorpe and drew away from home, which was huge. And the replay back at home was a draw as well, and we went on to have the record penalty shoot-out. We ended up losing but it was a great experience."

Dons have not lost in the first round since 2010, and faced with a trip to Grimsby this Saturday, Williams says the FA Cup is still an important date in the fixture list.

He said: "The FA Cup is massive and I'm really looking forward to it – I've had some really good times in the FA Cup.

"It says it all – Grimsby away, it's going to be tough. We're in a great place at the minute and it should be a good weekend. I've never been, so I'm looking forward to it, and my dad is ticking it off his list as well! We're all pretty buzzing for it."