Coach Mick Murphy is relishing Market Drayton’s return to the Shropshire Senior Cup tonight, insisting: “It’s not before time.”

Drayton play host to AFC Telford this evening (7.45pm) for the right to face either The New Saints or Shrewsbury Town in the final next Tuesday.

The Senior Cup has been restricted by the Shropshire FA to a two-team affair between Shrewsbury and Telford in the last two seasons and Murphy believes this year’s re-organisation is a step in the right direction.

“I was a bit disappointed that we were the only team at step four of the non-League pyramid who weren’t taking part in their county’s senior cup,” he said. “That was a little bit bewildering.

“It’s great to be back in but I personally would like to see every team that plays above County League level involved in it.

“You have to spend a fair amount of money to get into the West Midlands League and beyond so it would be a nice reward for the teams that have done that.

“I think there could be some sort of format with eight or 10 teams and Shrewsbury and Telford seeded straight to the semi-finals.”

Drayton boss Neil Woolliscroft will hand a start to former Buck Luke Reynolds tonight, the striker having started training with Drayton this summer after a break from the game.

But his latest signing, former Welshpool and Stafford Rangers midfielder Callum Wright, is unavailable.

Telford boss Andy Sinton is likely to mix a number of first team regulars with trialists and some of his summer signings.

By CHRIS HUDSON