BROMSGROVE Sporting enter the FA Vase for the first time in the club’s history but joint boss Ade Mander warns they face a tough test against Lye Town.

The Rouslers begin their first involvement in a major FA competition since they were set up in 2010 on Saturday (3pm ko), but they have been handed one of the most difficult ties in the first qualifying round.

The Black Country outfit have made a strong start to the West Midlands League Premier after being pipped to the title last season.

Former Cradley boss Mander knows all about Saturday’s visitors to the Victoria Ground.

He said: “It’s going to be a very difficult game, Lye are a very good side and we’re going to have to be at our best to get through.

“But it’s great for the club to be involved in the FA Vase, the fans are excited and so are we.

“A run in this competition would be absolutely brilliant and hopefully we can go on one.”

Sporting may be a new club but many of their supporters followed predecessors Bromsgrove Rovers, who during their time provided plenty of thrills and spills in competitions such as the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

They go into Saturday’s clash in good spirits after a 3-1 victory over Stafford Town which saw them bounce back from two defeats over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Mander was pleased to see his side respond to adversity so well in the Midland Combination Premier.

He said: “The players owed it to themselves to get back on track and they worked extremely hard.

“We’ve set ourselves up to be hard to break down and put a lot of work into pre-season to make sure we’re fit enough.”

Sporting will be given a lift as striker Richardo Richards is expected to be available after recovering from a groin injury.

The club have also put in a seven-day bid for Earlswood’s Daniel Morris.

Left-sided midfielder Rico Taylor, 19, has also joined the club after spells at Hednesford and Rushall Olympic.