Express & Star

Vase mission 'a free hit' for Kev's Gornal

Interim boss Kev Tranter claims the pressure will be entirely off Gornal Athletic when they look to cause an FA Vase shock at Shawbury United.

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The managerless Peacocks are very much underdogs in the second qualifying round tie with Shawbury tomorrow, who play one level above them in the West Midlands Premier Division.

But they are also a team brimming with renewed confidence after claiming their first win of the season with last weekend’s 6-1 hammering of Team Dudley, in what was Tranter’s first match since temporarily taking the reins.

The former Lye Under-21s boss stepped in after the club was rocked by the double resignation of manager Ash Causer and head of football Jason Tonks in the space of a few days.

Tranter said: “The team had hit rock bottom and it has just been a case of picking people back up. I’ve had every Tom, Dick and Harry on the phone since Saturday asking how on earth we managed to pull off that result. It really was quite the turnaround.

“I’m just trying to keep things simple and take as much pressure as possible off the players.

“This weekend is a free-hit for us. It’s one of those games where you can just give it your best shot.”

Tomorrow’s victors will pocked £750 in prize money and Tranter added: “It’s a lot of cash to a club like ours. It does give you an added incentive.”

Fellow Division One outfit Willenhall Town are also looking to spring a surprise when they travel to Boldmere St Michaels of the Midland League Premier.

Tividale, meanwhile, are targeting a smooth passage in their second qualifying round tie with Droitwich Spa.

The visitors play two levels below the Midland League Premier hosts but boss Dave King knows nothing can be taken for granted, with the Worcestershire club having already stunned Wednesfield in the previous round.

He said: “When the draw was made I think most people would have expected us to be playing Wednesfield at this stage.

“But I always felt that tie was 50-50 and so it proved.

“Droitwich are a very good side and from what I have seen of them, they should be at least one division higher. We cannot take anything for granted. I expect it to be a very close game.”

Elsewhere in the Vase, Smethwick Rangers host Dudley Town, with Black Country Rangers entertaining Leicester Road. Wolves Casuals are away at Lichfield City.