Westfields captured the imagination of football fans across the country last weekend, as the lowest-ranked side left in The Emirates FA Cup forced a first round replay with Curzon Ashton.
But while Fields go from underdogs to hot favourites in The Buildbase FA Vase, opponents Sherwood Colliery could be inspired by their own historic run – according to manager Wayne Savage.
Sherwood Colliery – based close to Mansfield – have lit up Central Midlands League Division One South this term, and sit second having won seven successive league matches.
Throw in an FA Vase run and it is already shaping up to be a season to remember for manager Savage.
But with Westfields playing two levels above them, he is under no illusions that Saturday’s trip will be their toughest challenge so far.
“We’ve been doing pretty well in the competition so far to beat two teams in higher leagues than us, so it’s been brilliant for the club, and we’ve got a good set of young lads down here,” said HGV driver Savage, who has introduced a host of new players since taking the reins at the Wood last year.
“Most weekends in our squad of 16 players there are only two or three guys that are over the age of 23, and a lot of the team have come down a couple of levels to play for me because I know them.
“We’ve got a great set-up and having won so many games on the bounce we are in pole position in the league as well.
“So I am hoping to get us promoted as well as getting a good run in the Vase – because we definitely have a good enough squad with a lot of depth.
“These young lads are very hungry for it; as soon as we drew Westfields the buzz started and you’ve got to give them a bit of respect for what they’ve done already this year in the FA Cup – they were phenomenal in the first round.
“We will be going there looking to win – I’m not daft enough to say we’re going to – but we want to do ourselves justice, and Westfields’s success is definitely inspiring for us, as we are looking to do in the Vase what they have done in the FA Cup.”
FA Vase history
Having only been reformed in 2008, this is Sherwood Colliery’s first ever foray into the FA Vase, and they have swept Clipston and Penistone Church aside on their way to the second round.
Westfields have competed in the Vase since 1985-86 and have twice made the fourth round – in 1986-87 and 2013-14.
Did you know?
Following their remarkable run in the FA Cup, this tie will be the 10th time this season that Westfields will host a knockout match at allpay.park.
They have lost only once at home in all competitions this season – going down 4-0 to Coleshill Town at the end of October.
One to watch
Savage has tipped former Mansfield Town youth skipper Jobe Shaw as his key man for success on Saturday.
He said: “A few of our lads have been playing out of their skins, but my centre-half and skipper Jobe stands out.
“He’s played at a high level before with the Stags and he’s only 22 so he’s still got time to improve yet.”
The prize
The winner of Saturday’s clash will pick up £750 as well as a spot in the third round.
