Delwyn Humphreys has described Shawbury United’s FA Vase third round clash at home to Northamptonshire side Cogenhoe United on Saturday as “the biggest game in the club’s history.”
Shawbury have impressively battled their way through three tough ties against Westfields, Bridgnorth Town and Stratford Town to set up this weekend’s big clash.
And, should they make further progress, they would not only be another £1,200 richer but would also find themselves in the last 32 of the prestigious national competition – and another step closer to the mouthwatering prospect of going all the way to Wembley.
“Shawbury have not had a run like this in the Vase before or played for this sort of money so it’s probably the biggest game the club have ever had,” said boss Humphreys, whose side are riding high in the West Midland League premier division.
“This is massive for the club, and although I try to look at it as an enjoyable day out, it’s a big game financially for the club.”
Humphreys admits to knowing little about this weekend’s opponents, with Cogenhoe currently mid-table in the United Counties League premier division, one level higher than the league Shawbury play in.
“I’ve looked at their last couple of results and they won last Saturday,” he said. “It will be tough but I look at how well we’ve been playing and the teams we’ve beaten to get to this stage, and it’s all about us on the day.”
Humphreys, who saw Shawbury’s 12-match winning run in all competitions ended by a last-gasp 4-3 defeat against Bewdley last weekend, said he had a full squad from which to choose.
“There will be tough decisions to be made and I’ll upset one or two players, but I’ll pick the team I think will win us the game on Saturday,” he said.
Humphreys added the club were grateful to the Albrighton Hall Hotel who have again invited the players to use their gym facilities tonight to help them prepare.