An army of hockey fans will travel down to London tomorrow as Shropshire appear in the county championship finals for the very first time.

The Shropshire senior mens side take on Yorkshire at Old Loughtonians with a spot in the afternoon’s final against either Cheshire or Sussex up for grabs.

The county line-up features players from across the region – guaranteeing a turnout of supporters from almost every club. And manager Dave Siddorn is hoping they can cheer Shropshire on to glory.

He said: “We have got a good chance of beating them – that is why we are a top-four team.

“We have got every chance, but it will never be easy at that level.

“We can’t expect Yorkshire to be pushovers and they will not expect us to be either.” Tomorrow will be Shropshire’s first appearance at the top level of county hockey – and Siddorn is looking forward to the challenge.

He added: “We are reaching new heights and it will be tough – we are under no illusions about that.

“That is why we are approaching it with a professional attitude and keeping everyone on an even keel to get the best out of them.”

That attitude even stretches to travel, with the county side set to travel down to London this evening, before an overnight stay and squad meal.

Siddorn said: “We are not just going to be also-rans – we are going there to try and win it.

“We are taking a professional approach to whatever we say and do.” Shropshire play their first game against Yorkshire at 10am tomorrow.”

By James Shaw