BUNGAY Town have ‘nothing to lose’ in their first MH Goals Suffolk Women’s Cup Final appearance.

That’s the view of Darren Renwick, manager of the Norfolk Women’s & Girls’ Football League Division One side, who meet Needham Market in Tuesday’s final, kick-off 7.30pm.

Renwick said that anticipation had been growing ahead of the final, especially once it was confirmed that it will be taking place at Colchester United FC.

He said: “It took a while to sink in but once it did, the excitement has grown day by day, every single one of us involved with the club are looking forward to the occasion.

“Once we found out it was at a ground as good as Colchester’s the excitement went to a new level. We appreciate the opportunity to play there.

“We have had many league games to complete between the semi-final and the final, so it has given us a chance to try and build up some momentum going into the game and with that momentum comes a growing anticipation as the games get ticked off. We can’t wait!”

Renwick spelt out just what it means to the club to reach their first-ever county cup final.

“It means a great deal to us all just to be involved in a final of a competition that has had some fantastic teams entered in it this season.

“When you add that it is the first time we as a club have reached this stage then you naturally get a mixed feeling of nerves and excitement as the day grows closer.

“But despite the nerves everyone has been looking forward to it in the days/weeks building up, the pre-match will be a chance to soak it all in but we will be ready for when the first whistle goes and will savour the occasion so it will be remembered whatever the result,” he said.

Renwick said Bungay were the underdogs ahead of their 2-0 victory over Brett Vale in the semi-final, and so will be looking to cause another upset against opponents who play two leagues higher.

He said: “We know on the day it’s 11 versus 11 and anything can happen. I’d say we were considered the underdogs in our semi-final and we turned in a fantastic performance to be victorious that day.

“We have absolutely nothing to lose as the expectation will be for Needham Market to win but sometimes underdogs cause upsets, it’s the beauty of cup competitions.

“It could be we get a stroke of luck on the day, a fortunate deflection, or a mistake from a Needham player which we capitalise on which can change a game. Despite all that we know we need to be at the top of our game and if we are then what will be will be.”

But Renwick is under no illusions just how tough the match will be against a Needham Market team appearing in their fourth final in five seasons.

“We know they are a fantastic team that play at a lot higher level than ourselves, they have some gifted footballers that have played higher too so we are under no illusions the game is going to be very tough for us.

“We have seen them play and know that they have quality all over the pitch and will have quality on the bench to bring on if needed.

“But we too have gifted footballers that will work very hard on and off the ball, and if given time and space they have punished opponents this season!”

Renwick said Bungay are expecting a good following at the final – just as they have done throughout the season.

“We have had a solid following all season and we wouldn’t be here without their support week in, week out – we appreciate every single one of them and we are glad we have the opportunity to share this experience with them.

“It will be a long night so some of our younger followers may miss out on the experience, but we will try our best to give those there something to cheer!” he added.