'An opportunity to create some history'
STANTON have ‘an opportunity to create some history’ in this season’s Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup.
Stanton meet Ipswich Wanderers Development side in the second semi-final on Saturday afternoon at Debenham Leisure Centre FC, kick-off 2pm.
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Manager Matt Musgrove said the village side, who lifted the cup for the only time in their history in the 1993-94 season, are looking forward to the tie.
“It’s a massive game for club and the village and an opportunity to create some history, so I think as a collective there is a lot of excitement.
“Personally, I don’t have time to look forward to it, as I’m busy making sure everything is in place to try and enable we can get a win!” he said.
Both sides play in Division One of the Gateway 14 SIL – Stanton sit seventh in the table and Wanderers tenth six points behind, although they do have five matches in hand.
“The saying ‘better the devil you know’ springs to mind and having played them twice we are certainly aware of the danger they pose, so I think it is a good thing for us in terms of preparation,” said Musgrove.
Stanton have so far knocked out Elmswell 2-1 and Cavendish 2-0, but the highlight was defeating SIL Division One leaders Somersham 3-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the last four.
Musgrove said: “As a resident of Elmwell, it was nice to beat them as it is always a tricky derby, but from a club perspective the victory over favourites Somersham at their place, 1-0 down, going up the slope with a very late equaliser and then to watch three of our youngsters step up under pressure to score penalties, was a fantastic moment.”
Despite knocking out Somersham, Musgrove is not getting carried away and thinking this may be Stanton’s year.
He said: “I don’t really think like that; if we were one up in the last minute I still wouldn’t allow myself to think it. My role is to keep the players focused on the job in hand.”
Stanton will be without Laurance Porter, who has gone travelling, and experienced centre back Joe Moye is injured, but otherwise expect to have a full squad to select from.
Stanton (red shirts) are pictured above in action versus Cockfield United (navy blue shirts) in last month’s Gateway 14 SIL Division One league game.
