AFC Telford are braced for Market Drayton to get physical

The county neighbours are playing at Greenfields for the right to reach the Shropshire Senior Cup final and it could be a no-holds barred affair.

In the last game between the teams last August, two Telford players – Mike Grogan and Dave Hibbert – were forced off injured and Drayton traditionally like to try to do all they can to bridge the two-tier gap between the teams.

Highly-rated Drayton keeper Ash Rawlins has promised Telford an early taste of competitive action.

"We're definitely up for a match – it's going to be very physical," said Rawlins, who lives a goal-kick away from the Bucks Head at Arleston. "I hope they're ready mentally and physically.

"I hope it's a good match and it's great to be a part of – hopefully we can put one over on them."

Bucks boss Rob Smith is expecting a difficult outing in what will be their sixth warm-up game.

"Our league is as physical as you can get so I'm sure our boys will be quite happy to stand up to anything physical, but we'll be concentrating on what we believe in," said Smith.

"If we can play at a tempo like we did on Tuesday night (0-0 draw against Solihull Moors) then we should be OK."

Telford, who are without James Hurst (groin) and the holidaying Zak Lilly, may rest a couple of senior players.