Shipston bid to create upset to reach first cup final

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CUP rules will mean Tom Ford and Will Brocklehurst will be forced to delay their comebacks for Shipston Excelsior tomorrow (Saturday).

Shipston will be seeking a first-ever Midland League cup final place - but table-toppers Central Ajax stand in their way in the Challenge Vase semi-finals.

Shipston travel to Warwick boosted by last week’s win against Leamington Hibernian but boss Steve Hedderman accepts they will be big underdogs at Ajax Park.

Injuries have blighted their campaign and though Ford, last season’s captain, and Brocklehurst are ready to return after shoulder and ankle injuries they will not be eligible to face Ajax.

“Because they have not played enough games, they cannot play against Central Ajax,” said Hedderman. “The rules of the competition state players need to play three league games or in the previous round.”

Jake Harris will be available, despite facing a hernia operation next week.

“We know we’re the underdogs,” said Hedderman. “Central Ajax are on a great run but we’ll look forward to the game and hopefully we can pull off a shock.”