Excited Ellesmere Rangers manager John Rhodes hopes his homework will pay off as the countdown continues to what he describes as “the biggest game in the club’s history.”
Ellesmere welcome Bromsgrove Rovers, fallen giants of the non-League game, to Beech Grove in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
And with the added incentive of £1,500 prize money, Rhodes insists it’s a huge occasion for the ambitious north Shropshire club.
He acknowledges Ellesmere will be underdogs against a Bromsgrove side who play two levels higher, but that’s a tag which sits nicely.
“It’s the FA Cup and anything can happen,” said Rhodes, who will select from a full strength squad. “We’ve got home advantage and all of the pressure is on Bromsgrove.
“I’m not sure they’ll fancy coming to Beech Grove and it will be slightly different to what they’re used to but we’re looking forward to having a good go at them – and I’m positive we can give a good account of ourselves.”
This is the first season Ellesmere have entered the FA Cup and they earned Saturday’s attractive tie by overcoming West Midland League premier division rivals Dudley Sports 4-0.
“This is the biggest game in the club’s history and I’m delighted for all the people who work so hard behind the scenes,” said Rhodes.
The boss has made sure his team are well prepared for the clash and he took the chance to watch Bromsgrove, managed by ex-Shrewsbury Town striker Duane Darby, earlier this week.
“I went to watch them play Leamington at home on Monday and left when they were 3-1 down,” he said. “They looked a decent side going forward but I think we can get at them at the back.
“I’ve been and done my homework and know what Bromsgrove are about, just what their strengths and weaknesses are.
“For some of my players it’s also a chance to put themselves in the shop window and show what they can do against a higher league side.”
See page 84 of North Shropshire Chronicle for the views of Bromsgrove boss Duane Darby.
