It's make-or-break time in Junior Cup
IT’S make-or-break time for the remaining four teams in this season’s Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup.
The first semi-final is taking place on Friday evening when Mutford & Wrentham face Thurston at Framlingham Town FC.
Mutford & Wrentham are aiming for a third final in as many seasons, after losing the previous two to Stowupland Falcons, who they defeated 5-3 away from home in the last round.
The North Suffolk side have been enjoying a fine season in the Fosters Solicitors Anglian Combination this season.
They are sitting second in the Division Three table having won 20 and drawn three of their 23 matches so far, and will go top if they win their two matches in hand.
Thurston are top of Division Two of the Macron SIL and they, too, are undefeated in their league campaign, with 15 wins and two draws thus far.
Thurston (blue shirts) are pictured above in action against Bacton United 89 (red & green quartered shirts) in their 4-1 victory in the third round in February.
But only one of Mutford & Wrentham and Thurston can reach this season’s final, where they will play the winners of the second semi-final between AFC Kesgrave and Cockfield United.
They meet at Debenham Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoon. Both sides play a league higher in SIL Division One and Cockfield are top of the table, while AFC Kesgrave are seventh.
Cockfield United were emphatic 7-0 winners at Lakenheath Casuals last time out, and have scored 17 goals in four ties while conceding just three.
AFC Kesgrave, who lifted the trophy after a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Trimley Red Devils in the 2017-18 final, had an impressive 3-0 victory over divisional rivals Tattingstone United in round three.
The second Portable Space Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup is also taking place on Saturday afternoon.
Hadleigh United Reserves, who are second in the Thurlow Nunn Reserve League, take on Ransomes Sports Reserves, who are bottom of SIL Division Three.
It would therefore be a major upset if Ransomes Sports Reserves can overcome their opponents, but that was the case when they defeated Cornard United Reserves 1-0 in the last round.
the following day it is 'Super Sunday' as the first four of this season's county cup finals take place at Needham Market FC
Weekend Fixtures
Friday
Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Semi-Finals: Mutford & Wrentham v Thurston at Framlingham Town FC (7.45pm).
Saturday
Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Semi-Finals: AFC Kesgrave v Cockfield Utd at Debenham LC (2pm).
Portable Space Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Semi-Final: Ransomes Sports Res v Hadleigh Utd Res at Old Newton Utd FC (2pm).
Sunday
‘Super Sunday’ at Needham Market FC:
Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Cup Final: Borussia Martlesham or Moreton Hall Youth Ferals v Mellis (10.30am, grass).
Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Trophy Final: AFC Dragonfly v Taverners or West Suffolk Wolves (11am, 3G).
Best Badges Suffolk Veterans’ Cup Final: Ipswich Wanderers or Woodbridge Town v Haverhill Rovers (2.30pm, grass)
Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Shield Final: Bacton Utd 89 v Rushmere & Diamonds (3pm, 3G)
