TIME'S ticking away to Redditch United's only chance of some silverware this season.

There's just six days to go to the Birmingham Senior Cup final at Valley Stadium between the Reds and what is reputed to a strong Birmingham City Reserves line-up.

The rumour mill has already suggested that big name stars such as Nico Vaesen, Darren Anderton and Robbie Blake could be making their way to Bromsgrove Road for the final.

But whoever emerges from the Reds tunnel in a blue shirt next Tuesday night there's going to be at least three players with Redditch connections.

Redditch-based 18-year-old James Blake has already made an impact on Birmingham City Reserves this season.

The defender from Oakenshaw is in his final year of a three-year scholarship and will be keen to impress to sign up for an extension.

Blake started his career in football's elite clubs at Aston Villa's academy at the age of 12 before moving down the road to St Andrews three years later.

James' mum Joanne said: "I'm sure he'll be as confident as he can be for the final.

"There are so many players out there who want to be in the same position so all we can do is go along and give him all the support we can."

Birmingham City Reserves striker Peter Till also grew up in the town although he was actually born in Walsall.

Till was one of a number of players from the same Redditch school to be picked up by the Birmingham City Academy about three years ago.

Till's been a prolific striker at academy and impressive reserve level earning him a place in the Blues senior squad this season.

Matthew Birley is another player in the reserves team making an impact this season.

Reds manager Rod Brown was looking forward to the final and was hoping to see a large crowd at gather at the Valley.

He said: "We want as many fans as we can to get down to the game. Redditch has got the biggest Birmingham City Supporters Club in the country so I know the atmosphere's going to be electric on the night.

"Adding to that - the Birmingham Senior Cup is one of the most prestigious cups in the country, outside of the national competitions, and is certainly one of the oldest."