MARTIN McConnell’s last match as Thurston manager will be the Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Final against Woolverstone United

McConnell will be standing down at the end of the season which could see the Macron SIL Division One side complete a league and cup double.

They remain undefeated in Division One and on course for Senior Division football, and now have a Suffolk Junior Cup Final to look forward to as well after their 3-2 victory over Somersham.

Thurston raced into a three-goal lead - just as they had done in last season’s semi-final - against their SIL Division One opponents at Debenham LC on Friday night.

Andrew Wood put them ahead, before Jamie Barclay scored a header and Charlie Cook netted from the edge of the box.

When Somersham scored twice in the second period to make the score 3-2, Thurston and their supporters could have been forgiven for thinking ‘here we go again’.

The Blue Socks were 3-0 up after 25 minutes against Mutford & Wrentham in last season’s semi-final at Framlingham Town FC only to see their opponents win 4-3.

McConnell said: “We are really pleased to be in the final, especially after last year’s disappointment.

“The lads had to dig deep but the result was what matters. We have had a hard run in the cup this season I'd say, beating three of the best sides along the way.

“But overall to be in a final and to end the season with one in what will be my last game as a manger, I couldn’t could ask for anymore.”

Woolverstone United are through to their first Suffolk Junior Cup Final after a 4-1 success against Kesgrave Kestrels.

The SIL Division One side also led 3-0 at half-time in their last-four tie at Hadleigh United on Saturday afternoon thanks to goals from Justin Davies, James Harbut and Hayden Catchpole.

Although their Division Two opponents pulled one back with 25 minutes remaining, Woolverstone then scored a minute later through Alex Gibson to complete a 4-1 success.

Manager Clive Catchpole said: “To reach the final is a massive achievement for a small village side, that five years ago were struggling in Division Three.

“It’s a great reward for a hard-working committee that have kept the club going in difficult times with little success, but recently a Division Two title and now, for the first time, a county cup final.

“Also, it’s great for the players who have continued to work hard and improve since I took over as manager five years ago.

“We know we will be the underdogs against a very good side stacked with Senior players but we will enjoy it and give it our absolute best.”

Weekend Results

Friday

Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Semi-Final: Somersham 2 Thurston 3.

Saturday

Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Semi-Final: Woolverstone Utd 4 Kesgrave Kestrels 1.