A SECOND Portable Space Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup success is long overdue for Hadleigh United Reserves.

That’s the view of manager Darren Harvey whose side face Beccles Town Reserves in Friday’s final at Leiston FC, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Thurlow Nunn Reserve League side’s sole victory in the competition came in the 21014-15 season when the Brettsiders defeated Crane Sports 4-2 on penalties following a 4-4 draw.

Harvey said: “For such a great club as Hadleigh another win is long overdue. Having said that, it is a great achievement for this fantastic group of players to reach the final given the injuries and challenges this season.

“Our commitment to support the first team when required, and fill the squad with local players, including a good number of youngsters week in, week out as part of their development pathway, makes this achievement all the more significant.

Although Hadleigh have scored 18 goals in just four ties in this season’s competition, Harvey said his side were struggling to find the net earlier in the campaign.

“Ironically, we struggled to put chances away at the start of the season and have missed regular goalscorers due to injuries and our centre forward going travelling midway through the season.

“As the season has progressed the squad have evolved, and goals are now plentiful from a variety of sources throughout the squad.”

Hadleigh’s squad is comprised of players who have been with the club for a long time, some of them having joined as young as under-8s.

Harvey continued: “As a Community Football Club it’s important to be able to retain local players who have progressed through the youth ranks. The vast majority have been with the club since U8s and therefore have a great connection with the club.

“Their passion and commitment to play and perform creates great competition for places, with U18s constantly being carefully blended with more experienced players creating a progressive enjoyable environment, which has been a key ingredient to the squad’s success in the league and cup this season.”

Harvey admitted he doesn’t know too much about Friday’s opponents.

“No, we have not seen them play or met before during our time in charge. However, to have got to the final and been runners-up twice before they must be a decent side.”