BROMSGROVE boss Jimmy Mullen has called upon up Rovers' travelling faithful to be in good voice on Saturday for the massive FA Cup clash with Halesowen Town.

Mullen is expecting around 200 to 300 Rovers fans to make the short trip to The Grove and believes they can act as a '12th man' for his side.

Speaking to The Advertiser/Messenger ahead of the 3rd qualifying round encounter, the manager said: "Our fans have proved in the past that when they come out in numbers they can make a big difference to the side.

"I know that all of the lads, myself and all the coaching staff really appreciate the support we get from the fans.

"When they really get behind us and roar us on it is almost as good as having an extra player on the pitch."

Mullen also believes the crowd on Saturday may reach the 1,000 mark which he feels will help to spur his players on.

"As it is a local derby I imagine we will take a good 200 or 300 fans to the game with us and combined with Halesowen's usual home gate there could be as many as a thousand people there," he added.

"This will help to generate a fantastic atmosphere which I hope will urge my players on - any player likes to play in front of big crowds and this will be no exception for the lads."

Mullen was also quick to point out that the benefits of pulling off a win would go further than just helping to swell the club's coffers.

"Obviously from a financial point of view us beating Halesowen would be great for the club," he said.

"But as well as the monetary aspect, knocking out a team from a higher division and getting a round closer to the FA Cup proper would be a huge confidence boost for the players.

"And, if this was to happen, then hopefully the confidence could spread to our league performances and help us there too."

Apart from Ross Collins, who has been out for around a month with a back strain, Mullen expects to have a full strength side to chose from. A few players turned up for training feeling the effects of a cold earlier in the week, but they were given time off to recuperate and avoid passing the bug onto other players.

"Mullen added: "We know that it is a big, big game for the club, even more so because it is a local derby and they are from a division above us.

"But is is also a game the lads are really relishing the chance to play in and everyone is really looking forward to it."

l To read a match report of Bromsgrove's trip to Dunstable in the Southern League Division One West, turn to page 110.