Cash and local pride up for grabs in Cup
Non-league clubs across the West Midlands will compete in the FA Cup tomorrow hoping to earn some much-needed prize money.
The coronavirus pandemic has hit all football clubs hard. But it is those at the lower end of the pyramid who have particularly felt the pinch.
Hednesford, Halesowen, Chasetown, Stafford Ranges and Kidderminster Harriers all have a chance to boost their coffers by £3,375 tomorrow when they compete in the FA Cup second qualifying round.
Arguably the tie of the round is the encounter that sees Hednesford lock horns with Halesowen.
The Pitmen enter the tie as favourites due to plying their trade a league above in the Northern Premier.
But Halesowen have a rich cup history and toppled a number of sides who play at higher levels during their recent run to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Hednesford boss Andy Morrell. “Halesowen have proven they can get up for big games and beat teams from higher divisions.
“It’s an important game for us with the money on offer. It’s a local derby too.
“And we’re going to have show a cutting edge to our game that has been missing since the start of the season.
“I think we are playing well and creating chances. The attitude, application and work rate has been there.
“But we aren’t taking enough chances. We’ve spoken about it and now we need to rectify it.”
Halesowen enter the game having secured back-to-back league draws following their 7-1 thumping of Yaxley on the opening day.
“We enter the Hednesford game as underdogs,” said boss Paul Smith.
“It’s a tough game against a side in a division above us. Of course, we have shown many times we can beat these teams.
“But while we are unbeaten in three in the league, I think our performances could have been better.
“I’ve got complete faith in the lads. But I’m looking for improvement.”
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Chasetown welcome AFC Telford United to the Scholars Ground. A total of 400 tickets went on sale for the match, which is also going to be streamed on the Shropshire side’s YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Stafford Rangers travel to take on Buxton while Kidderminster head to Alvechurch.
