Hammers aiming for cup heroics (From Halesowen News)

Hammers aiming for cup heroics

7:00pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in Football

CRADLEY Town boss Adrian Mander says last season’s form guide will count for nothing in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Hammers host Shifnal Town in Saturday’s extra-preliminary round, a side they beat twice in the West Midlands Premier last term.

Mander appreciates the importance of the game, with victory carrying a big financial incentive but is keen to keep his side grounded.

He said: “I think it is sensible to be taking it a game at a time at this level, we beat Shifnal twice last season late on but with each passing season you can never tell this early on where each side in this league is at in terms of squad and ability.

“It’s massive for a club like us, even if we win one game or two the money is crucial for the club.”

The manager is hoping for a similar performance to the one at Wolverhampton Casuals last Saturday, where Cradley opened their West Midlands Premier account with a 2-1 defeat.

He said: “We were unlucky not to win, we had players missing but were the better side over the 90 minutes, but it's the case of the old cliché that you have got to take your chances.

“If we put in the same performance that we did against Casuals, against Shifnal may see us through.”

Admission for the match against Shifnal Town is £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Causeway United will have to wait another 24 hours before they make their cup bow. Carl Burley’s side face Continental Star at Boldmere St Michaels on Sunday looking to bounce back from starting their Midland Alliance campaign with 1-0 defeats at Loughborough University and Coventry Sphinx.