Shropshire Senior Cup final gets green light

The on-off Shropshire Senior Cup final between Shrewsbury Town and AFC Telford was today given the green light - leaving Market Drayton Town in the lurch.

Shropshire FA chief executive Roy Waterfield confirmed the final will take place at the Greenhous Meadow on April 27 at 7pm.

But Evo Stik League outfit Drayton have been left furious by the move which leaves them excluded from the competition - a week after they were invited to take on Shrewsbury in the final by the Shropshire FA.

That invitation came after Telford claimed they were excluded from the tournament due to their refusal to play a game in April because of their Blue Square Bet North promotion push.

"We are delighted that AFC Telford United have decided to commit to the competition in April," said Waterfield in a statement released today.

"It was a shame that we were unable to schedule it at a more convenient time for both clubs, and we are extremely grateful to the chairmen and managers for the efforts they are making in maintaining the history of Shropshire's senior football competition."

Both sides are likely to field much depleted line-ups as they aim to maintain their respective bids for promotion.

By JAMES GARRISON