Badgers targeting another Vase upset

The Midland League Division One side travel to tackle Premier outfit Lye having already downed a top flight team in this season’s competition, writes Nick Elwell.

Kevin Weldon’s side beat Highgate United 3-2 after extra-time in the previous round.

That result provided a glimpse of the talent within the The Badgers’ ranks as they continue to bed down following a summer overhaul of the playing staff.

And Weldon is sure his charges will be keen to impress again tomorrow.

“I suppose tomorrow is a bit of a free hit because a lot of people will be expecting us to lose,” said Weldon.

“But it was the same against Highgate in the previous round. The players can go in a bit more relaxed and if you win it’s a bonus.

“Lye are playing in the league where we want to be and the lads are looking forward to the challenge. It’s a chance for them to prove that they can play at that level and we have done very well in the cups this season.

“I don’t know a lot about Lye, to be honest. We lost to them in a pre-season friendly but that was out first game together and won’t mean a lot with regards tomorrow’s game.

“As long as the lads give a good account of themselves, then I will be happy.”

Weldon is pleased with his side’s progress this season after picking up five wins and five defeats from 13 league games.

“It was a complete rebuild from the start of the season and we are still settling a few of the lads in,” he added.

“It was all about steadying the ship and rebuilding.

“It’s the first season at this level for a lot of them but I have been pleased with the progress. We maybe should have had five or six more points in the league but I am very pleased with the players.”

Wolverhampton Sporting’s recent improvement will be put to the test in their tie tomorrow, when they travel to face fellow Midland Premier side Ilkeston, who sit four points clear at the top of the table.

Walsall Wood and Sporting Khalsa will hope to make home advantage count tomorrow.

Wood host Derbyshire outfit Dronfield Town, who play in Division One of the Northern Counties East League while Khalsa welcome Hucknall Town, who ply their trade in South Division of the Central Midlands League.