Drayton relish chance to be talk of the Town

Market Drayton Town finally get the chance to play at the newly named Prostar Stadium on Monday when they face Shrewsbury Town in the semi final of the Shropshire Senior Cup, the oldest cup knockout in the world.

Drayton had hoped to play at Shrewsbury’s new ground in last year’s final but instead had to settle for the less glamourous surroundings of Ludlow Town’s SBS Stadium.

The pre-season showpiece had originally been scheduled to take place at Telford’s New Bucks Head, but Drayton’s shock win against the Conference North side meant plans were thrown up in the air due to “genuine operational concerns”.

Oteley Road, now known as the Prostar Stadium, was suggested as an alternative, but that idea had to be scrapped when it emerged that the ground had not yet been issued with a safety certificate that allowed it to stage competitive games.

“It’s a big treat for us (to be playing at Shrewsbury) and something we’ve been talking about since we found out,” said Drayton boss Simon Line. “It’s an opportunity for the players to play on a fantastic pitch with fantastic surroundings. We’re hoping that they put out a strong side so that we can pit our wits against the best.”

Shrewsbury were comfortable 5-1 winners against Drayton last year, the League Two outfit securing their 12th Senior Cup triumph in the last 13 years.

Bridgnorth take on AFC Telford in the other semi final at New Bucks Head. The Midland Alliance side beat Shifnal 1-0 in the preliminary round on Tuesday but know that Telford are an all together different prospect.