MANAGER Shamir Alam has urged local non-league fans to back his GNP Sports side to the hilt in the first round of the FA Vase tomorrow.
The clash with Malvern Town at Sphinx Drive is expected to be attended in numbers by visiting fans in support of the Worcestershire side, with plenty at stake for the winning club.
Prize money of £825 is up for grabs for the triumphant side, to add to the £1,275 already accumulated in the two qualifying rounds.
Alam is hoping the lack of local sides in action will help boost numbers, and said: “The fans at our level can play a massive part, we understand Malvern will bring a good following and the GNP players are raring to go.
“It’s Non-League Day tomorrow, so a lot of emphasis is on supporters of the big clubs taking in a day of non-league, and we are hoping they choose to come to our game because they won’t be disappointed.
“There’s no better venue in Coventry to watch non-league football, with free parking available too.”
Although both sides sit at step six of the non-league ladder, with Malvern competing in Hellenic League Division One West, Alam insists that the pressure is firmly on the visitors.
“A lot of work has gone into this game from the club, players and coaching staff, so we will do everything in our power to be in the hat for the next round,” he said.
“But the pressure really is on Malvern.
“Malvern Town have over 70 years of history behind them, they bring a big following and haven’t progressed to the second round of the competition in over 14 years – so that itself brings its own pressure for their players and coaches.”
For directions to Sphinx Drive, AKA the Ryona Engineering Supplies Stadium, head for Sphinx Drive, Coventry, post code CV3 1WA.
