IT COULD be difficult for Ipswich Wanderers’ players to lift themselves for their Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter-Final.

So says joint manager Mark Goldfinch, whose side face higher-league Leiston in their last-eight tie at the Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road Stadium on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Wanderers scored twice in time added-on to overturn a half-time 2-0 deficit and defeat Thetford Town 3-2 in front of 501 spectators on Non-League Day.

Saturday’s result saw Wanderers go top of the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division for the first time this season at the expense of long-time leaders Thetford.

Goldfinch, who is joint manager with James Buckle, said: “I can imagine it will be quite difficult to lift the players after today, to be honest, but come tomorrow the boys will recover and me and James will start planning for Tuesday as we take one game at a time.

“We take every game seriously and we know this will be a difficult game against tough opposition, but we have a strong squad and we will rotate some players in.”

Asked about the tie against opponents who play two leagues higher up the Non-League Pyramid, Goldfinch replied: “I wouldn’t say it is a free hit, but we understand the difference in the levels and it is where this club wants to be at some point.

“A lot of these boys want to play at that level, so it is a good opportunity for them to see what the standard is like and how Leiston are run.”

Goldfinch, who will be returning to his former club, added: “I spent five good years there as a player. I have been there a couple of times when we have played against their Reserves, but I think this will be the first time as a manager to play against their first team.

“It is a well-run club and there are some great people behind the scenes, so I am looking forward to going back.”

The winners will face holders Needham Market in the semi-final at Stowmarket Town FC on Tuesday, April 18th.

The other semi-final sees Bury Town take on Stowmarket Town at Needham Market FC on Wednesday, April 19th.

Both matches will kick-off at 7.45pm.

Mark Goldfinch (right) is pictured alongside joint manager James Buckle (left) after Ipswich Wanderers won the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup in the 2019-20 season.

Midweek Fixture

Tuesday

Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter-Final: Leiston v Ipswich Wanderers (7.45pm).