SHAWBURY United boss Dave Richards has challenged his side to make the most of their last chance to bring some ‘much-needed revenue’ into the club in the FA Vase this weekend.

United travel to West Midlands Premier rivals Dudley Sports in the Vase’s first qualifying round on Saturday.

And after seeing Shawbury’s FA Cup run ended at the first hurdle despite a brave showing against higher-league Stourport Swifts, Richards says the competition has added importance.

He said: “Dudley have started quite well this year and it will be a tough test but we showed what we can do against Stourport and getting into the next round is definitely achievable.

“The Vase has been quite good to us in the past – we got through four or five rounds the first couple of seasons I was here – but in the last couple of seasons it hasn’t been so kind.

“It is like the FA Cup – a privilege to play in – and in terms of the cups it’s our last chance to bring some much-needed revenue into the club by playing the game we all love.”

Shawbury did not have a match last weekend but Church Stretton continued their fine start to the West Midlands Two season by thrashing Tipton Town Reserves 5-2. Matty Jones, Will Twyford, Dean Richards, Jordan Wells and James Hill got the goals.