Sports will show no fear in Vase

West Midlands Regional League Premier outfit Sports are welcoming Rugby Town to Hillcrest Avenue, having beaten both Wem Town and Littleton and bagged more than £1,000 in prize money so far,

Rugby, of the United Counties Premier, are the favourites, but Gore – in his 12th season at the helm – is just delighted to still be involved and keen to lap up the occasion.

“This the furthest we’ve ever been. This is my 12th season, and we’re looking a different club now,” he said “Maybe people will think we haven’t had the greatest start to the season, but we’re pleased with the way things are going.

“And getting this far in the Vase is the icing on the cake.

“Not only do you get the prestige of playing in the first round, but you get a bit of money along the way which always helps, especially during this time.”

As alluded to by Gore, Sports have not started brilliantly in the league – winning one, drawing two and losing three.

They did, though, put in a spirited performance as they lost 3-1 to the much-fancied Shifnal Town on Tuesday and are feeling positive ahead of facing Rugby. When the draw was made, we straight away knew it would be tough,” said Gore.

“We’ve had a look at their results and position in the league and they seem to be doing well.

“We played them a fair few years ago in the FA Cup and they turned us over fairly comfortably, but it’s just great to be involved in it. Normally, we’d be watching how other clubs were doing now.

“This is the furthest we’ve ever been in the Vase and the club is really excited about it. We won’t go into it with any fear. It’s a cup game, a one-off game, and anything can happen. We had a good performance on Tuesday against Shifnal despite not getting the result, so we take that into this one. Hopefully, we can get a result.”

On how his side are looking injury-wise, Gore added: “There are a couple of lads who’ve got knocks, Matt Vaughan has a slight back injury but we’re hoping we’ll be fit. Dominic Latham is definitely out with a hamstring problem, but we’re hopeful with Matty. He’s the captain and we need him fit.”

Also in the Vase, Lye Town are heading to Aylestone Park, of the United Counties League Division One.

Lye are looking to progress after a steady run so far in the Midland Premier, having won four, drawn five and lost four.

Stourport Swifts are hosting Skegness Town, while Bewdley Town are taking on Stapenhill.

The winning clubs in the first round of the Vase will bag themselves £825, while the losing clubs will get £200.