A 'huge achievement' at Haverhill Rovers
REACHING the Veo Suffolk Under-18 Midweek Cup Final is a ‘huge achievement’ for Haverhill Rovers, says manager Harry Zachariou.
His young side meet Bury Town in the final at Colchester United FC on Wednesday evening, kick-off 7.30pm.
Both teams play in the Cambridge Division of the Thurlow Nunn Youth League, with Rovers currently sitting second and Bury third.
Zachariou is proud of the achievements of what is effectively an under-16 side, and said it is a ‘huge bonus’ to even get near the final.
He said: “I am really pleased for the club to reach the final; Haverhill has a huge Youth system and by us getting to this final may encourage boys and girls to join Haverhill, I believe this also helps put Haverhill on the map in a larger football catchment area.
“The boys have been exceptional all season with a heavy workload, running in two leagues and associated cups, to reach the final as an under-16 group is a huge achievement in itself.
“Most teams blood one or two under 16s throughout the season, but ours have gone in as the team.
“We have been stretched at times playing a few games with no substitutes and on many occasions only one, yet they still have managed to find a way to win games.
“This is a tough competition to win with the dominance of Sudbury and plenty of good under-18 teams, so to be competitive as a club is all we can ask for and to get anywhere near a final is a huge bonus.”
The two teams have already met three times this season - both sides winning at home in the league, with Bury coming out on top 3-2 in the FA Youth Cup.
Zachariou said: “Bury have the edge over us with two wins to our one, so they come into the game as favourites, but we did win the last encounter and this promises to be very close again.
“As you know, it’s impossible to predict outcomes in a final. The boys have been in quite a few finals so hopefully they deal with the event well.”
Zachariou is looking forward to what should be a memorable occasion for his side.
“You can’t hide the final is great for all parties involved, but to play at a professional club is the outright highlight. I have boys that have played for professional clubs but never on a main stadium pitch.
“I came and watched the final last season and always hoped the boys could get here, I just didn’t think they would do it two years earlier than I hoped for. It should be a great day out for the boys, parents and the club.”
The Haverhill Rovers Under-18 square are pictured above.
