FA Cup minnows in dreamland

Giant killers Stourbridge were toasting the magic of the FA Cup today after a historic win earned them a glamour tie with Walsall.

The Glassboys beat Buxton 4-0 on Saturday to reach the first round proper for the first time in their 133-year history.

And the victory means an extra £12,500 in prize money for the club, bringing the total boost to its funds so far to £27,500.

Club president Hugh Clark today said supporters and officials were in "dreamland" when they were paired with Walsall in yesterday's draw.

"It could not be any better and it's a tremendous honour to even be in the FA Cup let alone be playing Walsall," he said. "It's a financial windfall that could give us financial stability over the next few years."

The Glassboys, of the Southern League Premier Division, and the League One Saddlers were drawn to face each other on November 7.

One side of the 1,250-capacity War Memorial Ground in Amblecote opens onto a cricket pitch, leading to fears Stourbridge would be unable to stage the game.

But chiefs will meet with council and FA officials tomorrow and chairman Ian Pilkington is confident they can meet requirements.

He said today: "Having waited 133 years to get into the first round we're not going to pass up the opportunity of staging it at home."

The club may install temporary seating for the clash and tickets will go on general sale on Sunday.