PHIL Male is relishing the opportunity of facing the team he’s supported throughout his life when Dale entertain Barclays Premier League neighbours West Bromwich Albion tonight in the First Round of the 2015-16 Birmingham Senior Cup at The Beeches (K0 19:45).

Tivi were defeated at Stafford Rangers at the weekend in the FA Trophy, but Male believes that there were plenty of positives to take from the game into tonight’s fixture with Albion.

“I thought we played well on Saturday, I have to say,” said Male.

“We created several chances through the game and the best of them was when we were trailing 2-1. It was a great chance with the ball bobbling around the penalty box. It just needed somebody to put their laces through it and all of a sudden it’s game on again.”

The Baggies are set to name their Under 21 development squad this evening but Male is wary of Albion’s quality under rising Coach James Shan.

“James is an excellent coach. He’s been linked with a number of managerial roles within the football league over the past 12 months. They have good players.

“Leko and Tyler Roberts both have bright, bright future’s ahead of them in the professional game. Let’s not forget Roberts has trained with the full Wales squad this calendar year.

“There are a few of us here with Albion connections. I support them, Leon (Murray) and Steven (Beech) both have connections with West Brom, too, and hopefully it will be a good game of football. If we do the simple things right, we can give them a game.”