Market Drayton Town eye revenge against Sheffield

Martyn Davies’ charges were thrashed twice by the oldest football club in the world last season – 5-0 at home in November and 9-0 away in March, writes Joe Edwards.

Town have drawn their first two league games, and advanced to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Tuesday by beating Midland Premier side Sporting Khalsa.

The tie went to a replay after a 1-1 draw last Saturday and Davies’ side won 4-1 on penalties (after ending 2-2 after extra time).

On Sheffield, Davies said: “They are a strong side with good support.

“The home defeat last season, we had a man sent off early on and then got thrashed.

“The away game, I didn’t feel we actually played that bad but every time Sheffield went forward, they scored.

“We had a very tough game at the weekend against Khalsa and then the replay, which we won on penalties, and that should give the lads confidence.

“It will potentially be very tough – the gulf between us and them is huge in terms of history, catchment area and things like that.

“Apart from last season, we have competed with them.

“Hopefully, being at home, we can cause them some problems.”

Over the summer, Town re-signed defenders – and brothers – James and Mike O’Reilly after they both had a year off. Midfielder Sean Griffiths was also signed from Ellesmere Rangers.

Davies has praised those players for the ‘balance’ they have brought.

He added: “The year before last we were defending well but not scoring many, and last year it was the other way around.

“It was about getting the balance right. We have brought in the O’Reilly brothers and they are real proper defenders. Sean, we had him from Ellesmere, is a great athlete.

“The defence is stronger and I am happy with the squad.”