Hitchin Town are aiming to cook up a surprise for National League St Albans as they prepare for their FA Cup clash on Saturday.

Mark Burke's Canaries are relishing the chance to take on fellow Herts side St Albans in the second qualifying round of the world's oldest knock-out competition.

Extra spice will be added by talented Hitchin midfielder Jhai Dhillon, who is the co-owner of the acclaimed Hitchin-based healthy food business Rice and Spice - whose company is expanding all the time to include clients including England rugby star Maro Itoje.

High hopes

They also want to take their unique brand of healthy eating into schools and would love to work with Marcus Rashford - the Manchester United star fast earning a reputation for his social conscience - and help boost hungry kids.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News former Stevenage academy footballer Jhai said: "We're fascinated by healthy eating and the impact it can have on one's life. Not just improvements in physical health but increased energy levels, mental health and confidence.

"RNS is a family run business based in Hitchin, where all of our meals are handmade by our passionate and knowledgeable team. Our mission is to create happy, healthy people. We do this through a common sense, practical approach to food.

"Now we're leveraging our contacts with sportspeople and we've recently launched a nationwide delivery meaning we can now deliver across the UK, why can't we aim big and maybe sponsor a World Cup one day?"

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A tasty clash

With Hitchin having a pedigree in the FA Cup, hopes are high of a cup run to match the glory days of the mid-90s when the Canaries reached the second round after beating Bristol Rovers 2-1 on a never-to-be-forgotten afternoon in north Herts.

Having already eased past Needham Market 3-0 in the first qualifying round - including Jhai who caught the eye during the game at Top Field last month - the Canaries are expecting a tasty clash with St Albans who are one level higher in the non-league pyramid.

Aiming high

The talented Jhai has impressed on this field this season with his creativity and vital assists, but he has also shone off the field.

He and his brother Simmy, who is the second half of Rice and Spice, have big plans to expand their business further in a bid to help educate adults and children about good eating habits.

Jhai explained: "We're friends with so many nice, influential people, why can't we get famous people to go into schools and talk to pupils about food education and why it's important to eat certain foods?

"Look at Marcus Rashford, what's he's done. He has had no formal education but he has a platform and is helping people.

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"We already have a platform. We'd love to work with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

"Why can't we get the footballers and sportspeople we have and get them to go back into schools and speak about food education and getting kids into the habit of eating healthily?"

"Cooking is such an important thing, but so is time. Portion size and control is vitally important.

"We understand it's not a 'one-size fits all approach'. We offer at least three different portion sizes for each single meal.

"A lot of businesses just want to take customer's money. But initially, we invest a lot of time with each client to establish what works for them. We offer a 'RnS' lifestyle.

"We allow people to spend more time doing the things they want to do."

With the support of Canaries fans everywhere, let's hope Jhai's passion is a recipe for success in this season's FA Cup for Hitchin Town too.

Read our UP CLOSE IN HITCHIN feature on Jhai and Simmy, owners of the brilliant Rice and Spice

Read Hitchin Nub News as we cover St Albans vs Hitchin Town on Saturday as the Canaries aim to progress in the FA Cup