Express & Star

Lye Town ‘take shackles off’ in bid to upset Wood in Vase

Lye Town manager Mark Jones says his team must 'take the shackles off' ahead of their FA Vase clash with Walsall Wood.

Published

The two Black Country clubs clash in the third round proper of the competition.

Midland Football League Premier Division side Lye, who are third bottom in the division, host league leaders Walsall who are on an impressive run of form.

They've won their last give games, while Lye are coming off the back of a 2-0 loss to Romulus and a 6-0 defeat to Worcester City the week before.

"Everyone is fit and ready to go – but the weather doesn't help at the minute does it," Jones said.

"It was an encouraging performance against Romulus, although not the result we wanted, but we bounced back from the Worcester game.

"Walsall Wood are top of the league so it's a free punt for us.

"No-one expects us to win so the lads can take the shackles off and try and cause an upset.

"We're the underdogs and it's away from the league, so let's see what we can do."

Meanwhile, Walsall's league rivals Sporting Khalsa are also competing in the FA Vase on Saturday, as they travel to face East Midlands Counties League side Heanor Town.

Khalsa are currently second in the league, two points off the leaders and come into the cup fixture on a three-game winning streak in the league.

Last Saturday they beat Long Eaton United 3-1.

Back in Midland Football League Premier Division action, 14th placed Tividale host struggling Selston.

The Sandwell-based side lost their last match 3-1 away to Highgate United, ending a three-game winning run, while mid-table AFC Wulfrunians host Haughmond as they look to extend their own winning streak to three matches.

In the West Midlands League Premier Division, mid-table Dudley Town will look to pick up their first division win since the middle of October when they host bottom of the league Cradley Town.

Third-bottom Dudley Sports are travelling to Pershore Town, after a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of league leaders Shifnal Town in the league cup.

Wolverhampton Casuals will look to put pressure on the top four when they travelling to Shawbury United, while Darlaston Town travel to runaway leaders Shifnal.

The Shropshire outfit still have a 100 per cent record in the league, winning all 12 of their games.

Meanwhile, Wednesfield are hosting Bilston Town and Black Country Rangers travel to Wolverhampton Sporting Community in a mid-table clash.