Brown vows to attack Rangers (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Brown vows to attack Rangers

10:10am Thursday 6th September 2012 in Stourport Swifts

ROD Brown has vowed Stourport Swifts will go on the attack to cause an FA Cup upset as they take on Stafford Rangers in their biggest game in a decade.

Swifts are gearing up for a David versus Goliath clash in the first qualifying clash at Walshes Meadow (3pm kick-off).

Stourport are two levels below their opponents from the Evo-Stik Premier and while are regarded as underdogs, go into the game on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions this season.

“Stafford come into the game as favourites, they’re two divisions above us and will expect to come here and roll over us,” said Brown.

“But I want the lads to give it a really good go and leave everything on the pitch.

“We’re unbeaten in nine games and our confidence is really high.

“I am not concerned about getting a replay, I just want the team to give it their best shot.”

Rangers have not made the best of starts to the season but will expect to overcome their lower-ranked opponents and boast gifted players such as Michael Carr, Lee Downes and Courtney Pitt.

In contrast, Swifts go with their levels of self-belief boosted by a fantastic 3-0 win over Tividale in the Midland Alliance on Saturday, with Lewis Pountney (2) and Joe Adams on target. They have seen their efforts rewarded by being named team of the month for August.

The prize for Swifts on Saturday, who have not progressed this far in the FA Cup for a number of years, is also a £3,000 cash boost.

Brown added: “There hasn’t been a game like this in a decade, I can’t remember the last time Swifts won three games in the FA Cup.

“We’ve already made £2,750 in the cup but winning an extra £3,000 would make a huge difference.

“I am really looking forward to this game, we will give Stafford the respect they deserve but we’ll be going for it.”

Mark Smith (back), Kyonn Evans (foot) and Paul Hurrell (knee) are all doubts.

• Up for the cup: Stourport Swifts, back row (left to right): Dave Connell (assistant manager), Mike Orme (Physio), Paul Hurrell, Dennis Pearce, Dan Taylor, Calvin Dinsley, Mark Smith, Haydn Whitcombe, Jamie Willetts, Lewis Pountney, Rory Curtis, Kyonn Evans, Mark Benbow, Lee Phillips (GK coach). Front row (left to right): Alex Lavery, Joe Adams, Jordan Jones, Rod Brown (manager), Gary Walker (captain), Tim Jackson, Aaron Bannister. Picture: JOE TURNER