Norton United are gearing up for one of the biggest games in their history when they host Stoke City in the First Round of the Staffordshire Senior Cup this coming Wednesday (17th October).

United are making their first appearance in the competition for a number of years, and they couldn’t have hand picked a better tie, with a team from the Premiership club heading for Community Drive.

Not surprisingly, Norton United manager Scott Dundas says everyone at the club is hoping for a memorable evening.

“We are all really looking forward to the game on Wednesday night, and we have been given a great tie in our first game back in the Staffordshire Senior Cup.

“It will be a big game for us in the aspect of putting on a good welcome and hospitality, which the Chairman and all involved on the committee are working on.

“We have all done a lot of work over the close season with the new changing facilities, sponsor suite and pitch improvements, and on Wednesday night we will be opening our newly refurbished refreshment café which is another great asset to the development of our club.

“It’s hoped that if we put on a good show and take the opportunity to show off our facilities, it may entice Stoke City back for a pre-season friendly, which would be a great coup for our club.

“We do not know which players will be on show, but with it been an international break and players coming back from injury you never know who will turn up. Michael Owen could even be given a run out!”

Norton Secretary Dennis Vickers added: “We are obviously looking forward to our second venture in the Staffs FA Senior Cup, having played in it a few years ago. The intention is to make the game a celebration of all our new facilities, including the floodlights.

“We are hoping for a good gate as there is no other football locally, with Port Vale having played on Monday”.

Admission on the night is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, and kick off is 7.45pm.