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Wolverhampton Sporting Community fired up for historic FA Vase clash

Boss Andy Paddock has admitted there is no point playing down the enormity of Wolverhampton Sporting Community’s FA Vase clash with Rugby Town.

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Sporting make their first ever appearance in the competition’s second round when they welcome the Midland Premier outfit at Great Wyrley tomorrow, with Paddock describing is as one of the biggest days in the club’s history.

The hosts, who currently sit top of the West Midlands Premier Division, one step below their visitors, will be out to cause another shock after seeing off Staveley Miners Welfare in the previous round.

Paddock said: “I could try and play things down but honestly, no-one is going to buy it, particularly the players.

“This is a massive game for us, easily one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

“Everyone is buzzing for it. Rugby are traditionally a big non-league club. They will come to our ground and fancy their chances.

“They are definitely the favourites, make no mistake. The difference between the clubs is huge. We travel to away games in cars, they will arrive on coach. Financially, we are not on the same level.

“But on the pitch it is 11v11 and we will be going out to win the match. It’s what this competition is all about.”

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Tomorrow’s game also offers Sporting a chance to boost their profile following a steady rise from the doldrums over the past three years.

When Paddock took charge in January 2015, the club were bottom of the West Midlands Premier and staring relegation square in the face.

After escaping the drop, they have finished the past two campaigns in the top four and this season sit top of the table, having blasted a remarkable 70 goals in their first 14 league matches.

Despite the entertainment, crowds remain on the small side but Paddock hopes continued success – and occasions like tomorrow – can change all that.

“At the moment our crowds are around the 30 to 40 mark, which is pretty much standard for the level,” he said.

“One of the problems is people who live around Great Wyrley still don’t know who we are. We have the Wolverhampton name but a lot of our players are from Bloxwich, Cannock and Walsall.

“If we can keep being successful, that can only help. The next level, where Rugby are now, is where we want to get to. Promotion is our main aim for the season but we want to win every game and tomorrow will be no different.”

Elsewhere in the second round of the Vase, Brocton host Shepshed Dynamo, while Stourport Swifts visit Kimberley Miners Welfare.