Following another home win at the weekend against Shifnal, Lichfield City will turn their attention to the Walsall Senior Cup as they welcome Walsall FC.
Ivor Green’s men will take on an XI from Walsall in the quarter finals of the century-old competition, under the lights of the Trade Tyre Community Stadium on Wednesday night (January 31st).
After an emphatic J.W. Hunt Cup win at the Molineux last season, Lichfield have enjoyed remarkable cup success in the 2023/24 campaign. Dan Smith’s goal scoring exploits fired City into the fourth round of the FA Vase for the first time in the club’s history back in December, before being knocked out by tournament favourites, Worcester.
Lichfield City have also fought their way into the quarter finals of the league cup and the third round of the J.W. Hunt Cup, as they aim to defend their title.
Lichfield’s squad of entertainers have found the back of the net 83 times so far this season and rank first in the division for goals scored. October’s 7-1 home victory over Bewdley Town is just one of six games since August where City have netted five or more goals inside 90 minutes.
The Walsall Senior Cup, however, will pose a new challenge for City, as they take on football league opposition, Walsall FC. The Saddlers put five past Paget Rangers in the previous round of the cup, while the hosts beat Wolverhampton Sporting 5-1 to earn their quarter final place.
Ivor Green was full of praise for his side’s next opponents, but insists Lichfield will treat Wednesday night’s clash like any other game:
“At the end of the day, it’s Walsall Football Club. No matter what team they bring, they will be well organised, well drilled and fit. If we can get a victory against them, it will be a big statement for our club."
“With the league table being as it is, us being second in the league, we have to approach every game like it’s a cup final anyway – so we will not prepare for Walsall any differently.”
Lichfield have already improved upon last year’s performance in the competition, when they were knocked out in the second round by Tividale.
The City faithful will be hoping that a home advantage could see them get a result against Walsall and progress to the semi-finals.
Kick off at the Trade Tyre Community Stadium is at 19:45.