NORTHANTS CUP FINAL: City derby at the ABAX should be a cup final cracker
The runaway champions of United Counties Division One will be the hottest of favourites to beat Peterborough Premier Division side Netherton United in the final of the Northants Junior Cup at the Posh ground (7.30pm kick off).
Dean won’t allow complacency from a team seeking a barely believable four-trophy season, but he is not averse to showing confidence in his players.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I expect to win this game and I am desperate to win it,” Dean stated.
“This is a huge night for me, the players and the whole club. We are in the final of a county cup, at the Posh ground against another team from the city. For me it doesn’t get any bigger than that.
“Netherton are a good side, but we are a better side.
“It’s true that the best team doesn’t always win a final, but I have a lot of confidence in my players.
“We have been underdogs in cup ties this season ourselves and come through them so we won’t be complacent.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThis is the first of three cup finals for Sports. They face UCL Premier Division teams Holbeach United and Peterborough Northern Star in the finals of the UCL KO Cup and Hinchingbrooke Cup respectively next month.
Netherton are chasing runners-up spot in the Peterborough Premier Division, and the UCL Division One place that will come with that, and their boss Jon Harrison accepts his team are second favourites tomorrow.
And that suits him. “We have nothing to lose. We will be relaxed and confident of causing a shock,” Harrison said.
“I’ve watched Sports a few times and they are good, but not unbeatable.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Obviously they are favourites, but we have players who will rise to the occasion as we did when beating three other UCL sides on the way to the final. We also played a final at the ABAX last season so we know what to expect.
“We can’t wait to have a crack at Sports. It should be a great game and a great occasion for the city.
“It’s the biggest game in our club’s history and we expect a big following who we won’t want to let down.”
Netherton will be without striker Lee Clementson who is both injured and suspended.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNetherton (from): Ross Ingram, Ben Daly (C), Chris Hansford, Lewis Brisbourne, Scotty taylor, Eric Makate, Charlie Gallogy, Ash Jackson, Herbie Panting, Mujahid Akbar, Tommy Randall, Tom Flatters, Adam Scott, Steve Mastin, Dwayne Rankin,
Jezz Goldson-Williams.
Peterborough Sports (from): Jack Bloodworth, Dan Bucciero, Daniel Clements, David Cobb, Karl Gibbs, Mark Cox, Wilkins Makate, Luke McShane, Oliver Medwynter, Ali Nyang, Joshua Sanders, Jake Sansby, Avelino Vieira, Jordan Macleod, Joshua Moreman, Lewis Webb.
Referee: Martyn Gospel.
Assistant referees: Stephen Biggs, Simon Cheney.
Fourth official: Michael Dunkley.
Other midweek fixtures
Tuesday, April 26
CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE
Premier Division: Harrowby United v Deeping Rangers, Wisbech Town v Kirby Muxloe.
CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH LEAGUE
Premier Division: Holbeach United Res v ICA Sports, Pinchbeck United v Leverington Sports, Stilton United v Whittlesey Athletic, Thorney v Langtoft United.
Division One: Moulton Harrox Res v Sutton Bridge United.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDivision Two: Crowland Town Res v Spalding Town, Ketton Res v Oakham United Res.
Division Four: Brotherhood Sports v AFC Stanground Res, Stamford Belvedere Res v Rutland DR, Warboys Town Res v Parkside.
Wednesday, April 27
CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH LEAGUE
PFA Challenge Cup Final: Pinchbeck United Res v Spalding United Res (7.30pm, Chestnut Ave).
Premier Division : Deeping Rangers Res v Crowland Town.
Division One: Warboys Town v Netherton United Res, Whittlesey Athletic Res v ICA Sports Res.
Division Four: Tydd St Mary Res v Sutton Bridge United Res.