Chance for U18s to leave mark on cup
IPSWICH Town U18s have a chance to leave their mark on the history of the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup.
That’s the view of coach Olly Lee, whose young side meet Needham Market in the first semi-final of this season’s competition at Hadleigh United’s Millfield ground on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.
Ipswich Town have not reached the semi-final of the competition since the 2018-19 season, and not appeared in a final since defeating Needham 4-1 to lift the trophy in the 2009-10 campaign.
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Lee, who has recently taken over as coach after predecessor Callum Tongue left the club to join Manchester United in a recruitment role in November, is looking forward to the challenge.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to get to a final and hopefully lift some silverware early in their careers.
“It has been a long time since an Ipswich side has won this competition, so it would be a chance to leave their mark on the history of the tournament.”
Ipswich Town have already knocked out Step 3 AFC Sudbury 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw and Step 4 Ipswich Wanderers 2-1 to reach the final four of this season’s competition.
Lee, who played for Luton Town, Gillingham, Herts and Birmingham City, continued: “The boys have done excellently to get to this stage, and this will be another good test against a strong opposition.
“We always prepare diligently for all opposition and this game will be no different, we look forward to the challenge that awaits and are excited by the opportunity to impose our football on the game.”
The former midfielder is looking forward to going up against ex-Ipswich Town player Kevin Horlock, whose Needham Market side are top of the Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central.
“It will be fantastic to go up against Kevin, who had a brilliant playing career, so it will be good to pit our wits against his Needham side,” he said.
Ipswich Town U18 goalkeeper Charlie Binns is pictured above producing a splendid diving one-handed save to deny Ipswich Wanderers' striker Andy Fennell an equaliser during his side’s 2-1 victory at Humber Doucy Lane in the quarter-final. Photograph: Paul Voller.
The second semi-final between Felixstowe & Walton United and Leiston is scheduled to take place at Ipswich Wanderers FC on Tuesday, March 12th, kick-off 7.45pm.
