Bilston Town steeled for tough FA Vase clash

The Shropshire side visit Queen Street fresh off an FA Cup second qualifying round replay against former Football League outfit Boston United.

They lost 5-0 in front of a packed-out home crowd on Tuesday, after a 1-1 draw at York Street on Saturday, and will be bouyant heading into this second qualifying round tie.

Bilston boss Scott Hamilton knows all about the qualities of the Midland League Premier club, having suffered a 9-0 trouncing against them in the West Midlands League Premier last season.

On looking to stop the visitors' momentum, he said: "That's the plan, but it will be very tough.

"I saw the highlights from Saturday and they played very well, and I saw them on Tuesday and the scoreline probably flattered Boston a bit.

"Haughmond come here as the heavy favourites as they are a division above us so it will be a tough day for our lads.

"They like to keep the ball, pass it around quickly, so it will be a good workout for us."

Bilston beat Bolehall Swifts 3-2 in the last round, and Hamilton added: "We need to be up for the challenge.

"They beat us heavily last season. The scars are still there, but that's football.

"Haughmond are a class act – they are really good. It will be very tough.

"And if we are not up for it, it will clearly show."

Wolverhampton Sporting will be hoping to continue their fine form as they head to Midland League Division One side Heath Hayes.

Andy Paddock's side have won all seven league games in the West Midlands Premier and beat FC Oswestry Town 5-0 last time out in the Vase.

Heath Hayes also enjoyed a big win in the previous round – 5-2 at Coton Green – so this should be an entertaining encounter.

Cradley Town host ambitious Walsall Wood, who have former Walsall winger Peter Till and ex-Chasetown skipper Chris Slater in their ranks.

Dudley Sports take on Brocton, while Dudley Town host Atherstone Town.

Also in the competition, Wednesfield head to Ellistown & Ibstock, AFC Wulfrunians are at Chelmsley Town, Stourport Swifts host Paget Rangers, Stafford Town take on Ashby Ivanhoe.

And Smethwick, at Sporting Khalsa's Aspray Arena, take on Rugby Town and, on Sunday, Stone old Alleynians travel to Coventry United.

In the Midland Premier, Lye Town will hope to get back to winning ways as they make a trip to Bromsgrove Sporting.

They Flyers have picked up a draw and a loss from their last two league outings and are seventh in the table.

And in the West Midlands Premier, Wolverhampton Casuals will look to extend their winning run in the league to five games as they go to Tividale.