STAFFORDSHIRE will look to take a massive step towards ending a 16-year stint in the Minor Counties Knockout Trophy wilderness tomorrow.

Paul Goodwin's side entertain Eastern Division rivals Bedfordshire at Knypersley (11am) in the semi-final stage, looking to reach the final for the first time since 1993.

Their last appearance in the final, at Lord's, saw them beat Wiltshire by 69 runs and rubber-stamped their period of dominance on the Minor Counties circuit.

Staffordshire's triumph completed a league and cup double – the same feat they achieved when they beat Devon in 1991.

They also won the league in 1992, but were defeated by Devon in the limited-overs final.

Although this year's final is being held at Durham's Riverside ground because of fixture congestion at HQ, Goodwin, pictured, is keen to end Staffordshire's barren run.

"It is time we reached the final again and it doesn't matter where it is being played, as long as we are in it," said Goodwin, who will be leading the county on his home ground.

"I can't wait – everybody is really looking forward to it. We know we have played well in the cup so far and if we play anywhere near our potential there is no reason why we can't get through. The confidence is high and we need to push on and take that final step."

Staffs have been close to reaching the final in recent times.

In 2006 they were beaten by Devon at the semi-final stage and last season were dumped out of the competition by Oxfordshire in the quarter-finals.

They have named a 13-man squad for the match.

With Audley seamer Craig Barker still a doubt with the back injury which forced him to miss the draw at Norfolk this week, Longton's Dave Edwards – himself recovered from a hamstring injury – is drafted in.

Wombourne captain Liam Hughes is also included after a stunning unbeaten 184 on debut.

The 21-year, who set an all-time Minor Counties record for the fifth wicket of 300 with veteran Kim Barnett, also offers an option with his off-spin.

Worcestershire duo Jack Manuel and Dave Wheeldon have been cleared to play, while experienced all-rounder Mo Sheikh and batsman Richard Harvey come into the reckoning.

Bedfordshire, who won the Trophy in 1999, also topped their qualifying group and saw off Bucks in the quarter-finals.

They will include former Northamptonshire leg-spinner Andy Roberts and wicketkeeper James Knott – son of former England gloveman Alan – in their side. But they have been a dealt a blow after it emerged that Alex Wakely is not available.

The Northants batsman, who has scored 286 runs in the competition, is required by the first-class county for their Twenty20 campaign.

Coach Derek Randall – the ex-England batsman – has drafted in Oliver Clayson to replace Wakely.

The winners will play Norfolk or Oxfordshire in the final on Wednesday, July 22.

Staffs squad: Paul Goodwin (captain), Peter Wilshaw, Jack Manuel, Dave Wheeldon, Richard Harvey, Mo Sheikh, Ben McGuire, Liam Hughes, Craig Barker, Greg Willott, Gareth Morris, Will Purser, Dave Edwards.