'David v Goliath' for Bungay in cup final
BUNGAY Town boss Richard Daniels described his side’s task in the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup Final as a ‘David versus Goliath’ encounter.
The Black Dogs, who are appearing in their first Senior Cup Final for 55 years, face Woodbridge Town at Portman Road on Friday evening, kick-off 7.30pm.
Opponents Woodbridge will be playing Step 5 football next season after winning Division One of the Thurlow Nunn League this season.
It will therefore be a major shock if Bungay, who play at a lower level in Division One of the Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination, lift the cup.
Former Gorleston Manager Daniels said: “It is a David versus Goliath encounter and for Bungay Town to reach the final is an achievement in itself.
“We are all nervous and, if we are honest, we would rather we were not playing Woodbridge Town, who are a very good side and will be playing in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division next season.
“Everybody has probably already written off our chances, but if we play to our potential you never know what might happen and we will do everything we can to make a good game of it.
“I just don’t want the boys to freeze and concede an early goal and then it might be 2-0, because they do not deserve to do that.”
Daniels admitted his side’s preparation had not been ideal as they have had several leagues games to fit in since winning their semi-final 7-1 against Brantham Athletic Reserves a fortnight ago.
He said: “It has been difficult having to play so many games – Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday – and we have been resting five, starting six, then starting six, resting five.
“Results have not been great, but the performances have been okay as the players have had Portman Road on their minds.”
Bungay’s only injury concern is Jamie Weston, who suffered a bruised foot in the semi-final and has not featured since, but Daniels is hopeful he will be fit.
Admission to Friday’s final is £6 for adults and £4 for concessions which applies to OAPS and children aged under-16.
Pre-school children accompanied by an adult will be admitted for £1.
The turnstiles to the Cobbold Stand, where spectators will be seated, will open at 6.45pm.
A souvenir programme, priced £1, will be on sale.
Bryan Klug, who was caretaker manager of Ipswich Town for the final four matches of the season, will be the guest of Honour and will present the trophy.
Action is pictured above from Bungay’s (sky blue shirts) 4-2 win at Lakenheath (yellow shirts) in this season’s quarter-final.
Bungay Town: Ash Canham, Mark Clay, Ryan Cook, Tom Daniels, Reece Evans, Shaun Flint, Tom Hunter, Craig Hunting, Josh Knights, Brandon Ling, Dom Mirner, Sam Olley, Myles Payner, John Riches, Jordan Smith, Brannan Solomon, Jamie Weston, Shaun Whiteman, Sam Wooldridge.