SHAWBURY United take a break from Midland Football League action on Saturday when they play host to West Midlands League side Wellington in the FA Vase.

But manager Dave Richards admits that being favourites against their lower-ranked opponents will count for nothing in what is likely to be a tough game.

“There is always extra pressure when you are playing against a team from a lower division but Wellington have always been a good side,” the Shawbury boss said.

“All their players always give 100 per cent and it’s going to be a tough game. But we have home advantage and we need to start making our home ground at Ludlow a bit of a fortress.

“Competitions like the FA Cup and FA Vase are important to clubs like us and Wellington because they bring in much-needed revenue. And with the Vase there’s a chance to progress to the latter stages, you only have to look at how well Coleshill and Sporting Khalsa from our league did last season.”

Richards was due to check on a few knocks and bruises after last night’s league game with Highgate United but work commitments will rule out James Askey while keeper Ian Havard is still struggling with a shoulder injury.

Shawbury were edged out 2-1 at South Normanton Athletic on Saturday, Adam Groom scoring a first half opener before two goals from Luke Crosby saw the home side take the points.

Ludlow went down 3-1 at West Midlands Division Two high-fliers Wolverhampton United on Saturday and are on the road again this weekend with a trip to the side just above them in the table, AFC Bilbrook.

Tenbury Town picked up their first point of the season in Premier Division of the Herefordshire League, goals from Alex Bright and substitute Henri Harvey-Smith earning them a 2-2 draw with visitors Malvern Town 21. Orleton Colts were beaten 5-1 at home by Fownhope.

There was a disappointing start for our sides in Division One with 4-2 defeats for both Woofferton and Ludlow Town Colts.

The Blues made the perfect start at Kingstone Rovers with Si Bradley scoring after just ten minutes but the home side came from behind to secure victory with Andy Pugh scoring the other Woofferton effort.

It was a similar tale for the Colts at newly-promoted Weston Under Penyard with captain George Sankey giving them the lead as the visitors dominated the opening 20 minutes.

But the home side hit back to lead 4-1 at the break before Haji Mbaraka reduced the arrears when he netted a goal on his debut.

Four goals from Craig Breakwell helped Clee Hill United to a 9-2 win at Gobowen Celtic in the Shropshire Premier League. Steven Preece hit a brace with the others coming from James Clifford, Adam Warren and Liam Whitbread.