NORTHANTS CUP FINAL: City derby at the ABAX should be a cup final cracker

Free-scoring Avelino Vieira will be a key man for Peterborough Sports.

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.

“I expect to win this game and I am desperate to win it,” Dean stated.

Ben Daly will need to defend well for Netherton.

“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.”

Karl Gibbs has been in terrific form for Peterborough Sports.

This 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.

Dwayne Rankin's experience will be crucial to Netherton's chances.

“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.

Netherton (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.

Division 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.