MATT SEELEY stressed Alcester Town will need to be fully focused as they visit Coventry Colliery on Saturday, with a place in the Birmingham Vase semi-finals the target.
While Seeley and Richard Briggs stress promotion is the main goal this season, they would love to bring some silverware to the Red and Blacks.
After feeling they were cruelly knocked out of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup to Worcester Raiders – ending a four-match winning run – Alcester will be fired up for the trip to Coventry Alliance Premier side Colliery (2pm).
The quarter-final match was postponed for a second time last weekend due to a frozen pitch at Allesley.
After a two-week break, Alcester will look to hit the ground running as they seek a 11th win in 13 matches but Seeley says Colliery, in fourth place in their league, will be no pushovers.
“Winning promotion is the target this season – and we’re on course to do that,” said Seeley. “But the cup is important too and I would love to bring some silverware back to Alcester.
“We certainly will be sending out a full-strength team. We are not taking Coventry Colliery lightly.
“They have been on a good run and they will fancy their chances, especially at home. We’ve got to be fully prepared for a tough challenge.”
Alcester’s squad, however, will be without influential midfielder Reece Hewitt and top scorer Callum Burston-Keeley after both underwent operations.
Former Bromsgrove Sporting, Redditch United and Studley player Hewitt, who had joined from Highgate United, has undergone a long-awaited operation on a hip complaint.
Though he posted that surgery went well, he will be ruled out for the season.
Forward Burston-Keeley, who has netted 16 goals, faces six to seven weeks on the sidelines after a toe operation.
But Seeley has been delighted to add Lewis Marston and Aaron Xavier to the squad.
“We know the quality they will bring to the squad,” added Seeley. “Losing two lads like Reece and Callum is blow but Lewis and Aaron will fill the void. We are pleased to get them.”
The winners of Saturday’s tie will be at home to Enville Athletic in the semi-finals on March 16.
Tipton Town have already booked their semi-final place and they will meet either AFC Solihull, Birmingham League side Village, or Coventry Alliance outfit Rugby.
