We appear to be overdosing on cup football at the moment, with our 4th cup tie in 5 games (and another one on Saturday). Tuesday night we entertain Rocester in the Staffs Senior Cup.

This will be our first game defending “our” trophy that we picked up last season when beating Hednesford at Stoke City, so we do not want a banana skin of a game. Despite a weakened side losing at Lye in the Walsall Senior Cup, I am pretty sure Steve Burr will take no chances this time, but we can expect some changes to give squad players much needed pitch time.

Despite their position we need to respect Rocester but ensure that our performance enhances players prospects for the games ahead. Steve from his own words is developing a useful squad which he believes has the potential to climb the league, so we can hopefully expect a good attacking game on Tuesday. Rocester arrive in a precarious position in the Midland League Division 1 (step 6, one division below Lye) in 17th place of a 19-team division. They have played 12 games, and surprisingly 8 at home yielding 1 win (3-2 to Nuneaton Griff) and 1 draw (0-0 derby game with Uttoxeter). Their 4 away games have seen 1 win (3-2 at Heath Hayes). Their most recent game was last Saturday losing 3-0 to table toppers Lichfield City. Rocester’s only other win was a 3-2 defeat of Brocton ion the previous round of the Staffs Senior Cup.

We have played on this date this century 6th November.

2001       Guisley                                                 H             4-2          FA Trophy Replay

2004       Hinkley                                                 A             1-3         FA Trophy

2012       Wolverhampton Casuals                   A             3-1          Walsall Senior Cup