County officials have moved quickly to set a new date for the Shropshire Senior Cup final – with AFC Telford United to host The New Saints on Saturday, August 6.

The showdown for the world’s oldest football trophy had provisionally been set for next Tuesday but that had to change after the Saints beat Shrewsbury in Monday’s semi-final due to a fixture clash.

Oswestry-based The New Saints have Europa League commitments and entertain Danish side FC Midtjylland in the second qualifying round first leg tomorrow before travelling to the continent a week later.

Shropshire FA chief executive Roy Waterfield met with Telford chairman Lee Carter and Saints general manager Ian Williams yesterday and was able to reach an agreement on the re-arranged date.

“They were both very understanding and the new date seems to have dove-tailed nicely into the rest of their pre-season commitments,” said Waterfield.

“It should be a good final. I know they’ve played each other several times in previous years and they have always been close encounters.

Welcomed

“I think timing-wise, with the game falling the week before the start of both clubs’ league seasons, we could see two strong teams turning out.”

Telford booked their place with a 4-1 win over Market Drayton and manager Andy Sinton has welcomed the new date.

“It works quite well because it gives us a real competitive fixture the week before the season starts.”

“It will be one to look forward to for the fans – TNS are a good side, as we got shown when we went there last pre-season for my first game (Telford losing 2-0).”

Meanwhile, the Bucks host to a West Bromwich Albion XI tonight – and with the senior Baggies squad away on a US tour it is likely to be a youthful side.

“It will be a good, tough game for us and their young lads will be eager to impress.”