Charlie’s angels bidding for cup final glory

It’ll be chicken nuggets and chips instead of portions of pasta tomorrow as Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore prepares for a very different cup final.

Blakemore led his BGB Southern League side all the way to the third round of the FA Cup this season in what was one of the fairytale stories of the year.

The Scholars enjoyed a memorable victory over Port Vale on their way to becoming the lowest-ranked side ever to get that far, before falling to eventual finalists Cardiff City.

But it is actually winning a trophy that is on his mind this weekend, as he leads Albrighton Juniors Girls - for whom his daughter Emily is a player - into the final of the Shropshire Girls Under-10s Cup.

Blakemore’s youngsters face Worthen Juniors in the big match at Market Drayton tomorrow (1pm).

And, ever the professional, his preparations include a pre-match meal in Albrighton restaurant Frederiques as well as a team coach to get them to the ground.

“I thought we’d treat them to a pre-match meal like we did at Chasetown before all our big FA Cup games,” said Blakemore.”At Chasetown it would be pasta or chicken breasts, but I’m sure all the girls will be having chicken nuggets or sausages and chips.

“All the parents are having T-shirts printed and it’s going to be a special day and a cracking occasion.

They’re all so excited and I’m looking forward to it as much as them.”

It will be the last game in charge for Blakemore, who will stand down after the final as many of his side, including as his daughter, will then be stepping up to play for the under-12s next year.

“My wife persuaded me to step into the breach at the start of the season and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Blakemore revealed.

“I’ve got more out of it in certain ways than I do at Chasetown because some of these girls had never kicked a ball before this year and now they’re loving it.”