Market Drayton Town have landed a big money consolation prize for again being omitted from the Shropshire Senior Cup – a pre-season fixture with AFC Telford.
The game, at Greenfields on Saturday, July 10, is expected to generate as much, if not more cash for the club than an appearance in the county cup final.
The derby fixture, which had been in doubt, was confirmed at Town’s annual meeting on Wednesday night.
“We are delighted,” said club chairman Julian Parton. “We expect a crowd of six to seven hundred and it will be a great way to kick off again, both for the fans and financially.”
Town first team coach Mick Murphy, who conducted most of the negotiations, said they had successfully cleared up several points of concern raised by Telford.
Drayton follow up the match with four friendlies away from home. They visit Ludlow Town on Saturday July 17, Ellesmere Rangers on Tuesday, July 20 and Glossop North End on Saturday, July 24.
They then entertain TNS on Saturday August 7 and Nantwich on Tuesday, August 10 before opening their season in the league, currently being rebranded as the Evo Stik League South, on Saturday, August 21.
League fixtures will be announced next month.
Manager Simon Line said his squad, who would report back for training on Tuesday, June 29, could have additional matches.
Chairman Parton reported that while football faced demanding times, Drayton’s finances were sound and it was hoped they could obtain a badly needed team mini bus to replace the one that had served them for many years.
Club vice chairman Stuart Holloway suggested that gate prices should be increased to £7 while retaining the £5 loyalty ticket for regular local fans. He said efforts were also being made to arrange more money-making social events and generate additional sponsorship.
By Terry Morris