NEIGHBOURS are set to lock horns as underdogs Droitwich Spa RFC take on hot favourites Bromsgrove in the quarter finals of the North Midlands Cup.

Relegation threatened Droitwich face an uphill task if they are to book their place in the semi-finals by beating a hotly tipped in-form Bromsgrove side at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium on February 12.

The game is set to be the first time the two neighbours have ever met in a competitive game.

Spa director of coaching Julian Bailey believes his team, which are bottom of the Midlands Three West (South), can overcome a Bromsgrove side holding their own two divisions above them in the Midlands Division One.

He said: "We're not stupid, we know we'll be up against a good team, but at home with a decent crowd we believe we can pull off a shock."

"All the players are looking forward to this game, it'll be something for them to aim towards and could really help us raise our game.

"It's so rare that we have played Bromsgrove so this is going to be an absolutely huge game for both clubs."

Bromsgrove coach Dean Ball is wary of underestimating their struggling rivals.

He said: "It's going to be a hard game which will be full of passion, but we are confident we can win what should be a great match. We will be a ready for a fight."

"The cup doesn't get the credit or attention it deserves, but it's something both sides will want to do well in."

The cup clash is set to be a vital turning point for both sides. Victory for Spa could kick-start their attempt to escape from relegation, while Bromsgrove would be a step closer to the cup they last won in 2001.

Bromsgrove chairman Ken Copson believes the financial rewards of winning the competition, which would give them entry into the Powergen Cup, would be a huge boost for the Boars.

He said: "We are totally committed to having a good run in the competition.

"The last time we qualified for the Powergen Cup it really helped the club's coffers.

"But first we have to get past Droitwich. This game will have all the elements of a great derby and we know we're in for a fight.

"For some reason we haven't played Droitwich a lot down the years, but all that will do is make this match even more special."

Droitwich captain Matt Blackmore is relishing the challenge of knocking out one of the competition's front runners.

He said: "All we can do is get the boys up for it and go out there and enjoy the occasion.

"Let's be honest who knows when these games will come again? And let's not forget-you never know what can happen in the cup."

By Peter McKinney