Last week the draw for the First Round of this season's FA Cup competition took place, and for the second season in a row, threw up a tantalising local derby between Walsall and Shrewsbury Town.
The draw has extra significance for Shrewsbury midfielder Ryan Woods. Born in Norton Canes, Ryan spent five years as part of the Walsall Centre of Excellence before being released aged 15.
He was subsequently signed by the Shrews, and made his way through the ranks, going on to sign professional terms at the beginning of the 2012/13 season.
Since his departure, Ryan is yet to be victorious over the Saddlers, including a 3-0 FA Cup loss, and two league defeats last season, a record he was very keen to get the chance to rectify.
Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Ryan said; “I can't really believe the draw but I was begging for it if I am going to be honest.
“Since I left there as a young boy I have never beaten them and it would be very nice to go there with a much-improved team and show the what we are about.
“It was a massive disappointment when we went there last year. We got turned over and were very poor. They were a good side so I take nothing away from them but this year it is completely different.
“We have got a very good side down here now and we showed against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday that we can pretty much do anything on our day.”
SOURCE Shropshire Star