REDDITCH Borough’s bid to lift the Les James Challenge Cup received a major boost after frontrunner Billy Garvey rejected overtures from giants Bromsgrove Sporting.

Ten-goal Garvey would have been ineligible for the Rouslers’ attempts to reach Wembley in the FA Vase having played for Borough in an earlier round but could have joined a club attracting bumper crowds, media attention and chasing the Midland One title.

However, the creative catalyst opted to remain loyal as Julian Workman's charges play for their own showpiece in Saturday’s semi-final at home to FC Stratford (3pm).

The winners face Paget Rangers in a final to be played at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium and the Redditch manager is happy to have Garvey to call upon.

“Bromsgrove’s interest is testament to the way Billy is playing at the moment,” said Workman. “He has always been an instinctive player and is reaping the rewards of some hard work.

“Rivalries aside, Bromsgrove is a huge club. The crowds they pull in and the opportunities which can stem from that is a real draw for players at this level.

“You only have to look at how well one of our former players Jason Cowley has done over there to see how a club of their size can shoot you into the spotlight so I am delighted Billy has chosen to stay with us.

“The bottom line is he is enjoying his football. He has a role in a team where a lot of good things have come together in recent weeks and he doesn’t want to give that up. That kind of loyalty in this day in age is a huge feather in our cap.”

Borough had no fixture on Saturday so Workman took in Stratford’s 1-0 home defeat to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.

“We have come across Stratford a fair amount and have a good idea of what to expect,” he added. “People will see we are a division higher and understandably make us favourites but we know we cannot afford to be complacent.

“It is a tough game but one we should be confident of winning if we play to our capabilities.”