Shropshire Star

All eyes are on the FA Cup as it makes a Shropshire visit

Hundreds of football fans had the chance to get up close and personal with the FA Cup when it came to Shropshire this weekend.

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The hallowed trophy stopped off in Market Drayton for just six hours on Saturday to coincide with the town's FA Cup match against Stourbridge.

The cup's presence attracted record numbers to the Greenfields Sports Grounds, though it appeared under heavy security - and strictly no touching.

Club director Mick Murphy said: "Any club that plays in a round of the FA Cup can apply to have the cup at their ground.

"I put in an application that was supported county FA chief executive Roy Waterfield, saying that it should come to Shropshire.

"It was a long process, but with a little bit of persuasion we sealed that deal."

He said it was scheduled to be at the club from noon to 6pm, which was strictly adhered to with precision timing.

"It arrived on the dot," he said.

"We had about 50 people queuing outside until 12.15pm as we had to set it on a plinth and make sure everything was okay.

"Then we had about 300 people down at the game when we normally get attendance of about 100.

"From the town's point of view it was great. There were lots of people there to see this level of football, and it was a big community event.

"Kids were taking pictures with the cup and their parents.

"From our point of view there was a bit of disbelief that it had actually happened, that it had actually come here.

"There were two security guards with it, either side, and no one was allowed to touch - but that's as close as you can get to the FA Cup.

"It's insured for £1.5 million.

"It will probably never come here again in our lifetime."

He said the players were also clamouring to have their photo taken with the cup after the game, which was a welcome boost after Stourbridge won the match 3-1.

Mr Murphy said it was ultimately a very successful day for football in the town.

"We're really pleased that so many people came down to the club and so many youngsters got involved. It was a really good exercise in community spirit," he said.

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