Gough wants to mark historic day with a win
Boss Josh Gough has told his players to do themselves and the club proud as Wem prepare to play in the FA Vase for the first time in their history.
The north Shropshire side, who were crowned champions of West Midlands League Division One last season, travel to take on Cadbury Athletic tomorrow.
Like Wem, Athletic play in step six of non-league. But while they have started the season well in Midland League Division One, Gough is backing his to progress to the second round.
“Last season was a really successful year for us, it took us to the highest level in our history and it has now given us the opportunity to play in the FA Vase,” Gough said.
“All the credit must go to both the players and the committee who have worked tirelessly to get us this far.
“Now we want to go out and show what we are all about, it would be fantastic if our first game in the competition could be a win.
“We have got to go away from home, which isn’t ideal. But on our day we are capable of beating anyone at this level.
“And even if we get a draw, it would be great to get them back to our place for a replay on Tuesday.
“Cadbury have started the season well. They are fourth in their division. But I’m backing us to put in a performance and get a positive result.”
In what is an action-packed weekend of sport in Wem, the cricket team are chasing glory in the Premier Division of the Henshalls Shropshire County League.
They face a title showdown with rivals Quatt and that means the football team won’t have brothers Matt Cohen and Dan Cohen and Jim Astley and Tom Astley available.
But while Gough wishes the cricket team all the best, is looking forward to having his entire squad available.
“We’ve picked up six points from our first six games in the league,” the manager added.
“It’s a decent, steady start. It’s the last weekend of the cricket and Wem can still win the league so everyone at the football club is wishing them the best of luck.
“We haven’t got the Cohen or the Astley brothers available until next week. But other than that we are at full strength, there are no excuses and we have to show the right attitude.”
West Midlands Premier Division side Shifnal Town are out of the FA Vase but new boss Mark Simpson believes military style respect will shine through at Acoustafoam Stadium.
Shifnal, in 10th with two wins, two draws and three defeats, welcome Shropshire rivals AFC Bridgnorth, down in 16th, this weekend.
Simpson, originally from Burnley but working locally for the Royal Air Force in Cosford, said: “Previously it might have been all effing and jeffing in the changing rooms but we’ve tried to bring some focus and points to improve.
“One hundred per cent (to make it more professional). I work in development in the RAF and I am trying to bring a bit of that.
“The chairman says ‘you work in the forces so you can bring discipline’, but for me it’s just respect and giving them a chance.”
“Last weekend we let them go and have a squad curry without us. Their chance to slag us off and give them their own space. There were positive spirits and it’s so far so good.”
Simpson has a full squad to pick from. Ex-Telford attacker Ben Osei plays his final game before heading off to university.
Elsewhere, Haughmond, who have won three from four, welcome Bilston Town and Shawbury United go to Malvern.
