Market Drayton and Bridgnorth will tonight attempt to upset the Shropshire footballing establishment in the world’s oldest cup competition.The two Shropshire Cup semi-finals see Drayton’s big night at the Prostar Stadium as they take on Paul Simpson’s Shrewsbury.

At the New Bucks Head, AFC Telford entertain Bridgnorth who, like Drayton, play in the Midland Alliance.

Drayton caused a major upset last season by defeating Telford at this stage.

And, while manager Simon Line is recognising an even stiffer task awaits tonight, he is clinging to the possibility of a big surprise.

“It’s always a possibility and everyone is looking forward to a very big night for us,”said Line.

“You have always got to be a realistic and we have set ourselves goals to work hard and do the best we can.

“I’ve got every confidence in my players and we have people in the squad who can create and score goals.”

Drayton will field a number of the five summer signings they have made, including Shaun Humphreys and Craig Ryan from Shawbury, as well as Ryan King – son of former Town boss Jake and Shrewsbury kitman before his departure in April.

Having won the trophy for 13 of the last 14 years, new Town boss Simpson stressed: “We are in the competition and we want to win. The plans for this week are a game tonight, on Thursday (the final) and then Stoke on Saturday – and I don’t want those plans to change.”

And Bucks boss Rob Smith is anxious to avoid a repeat of the Drayton slip-up when his side host Bridgnorth.

He expects Shrewsbury to beat Drayton tonight, and is determined to take his side to the Prostar Stadium to face them on Thursday.

“If you aren’t at the races you can get done, and we know that,” said Smith, who will not be in the dug-out tonight as he still has three games of a six-game touchline ban to serve.

“We took our foot off the pedal last year, but it won’t happen this time. The Shrewsbury game is an important part of our pre-season schedule and I don’t want to lose that game.”

Former Chasetown defender Kevin Thompson and Dominic Heath will be amongst the new faces on show for Bridgnorth – but manager Julian Marsh is expecting a testing night.

“We know we are coming up against a quality side tonight,” he said.

By James Garrison