Cup win would cap off fantastic season
WINNING the MH Goals Suffolk Women’s Cup would cap off a fantastic season for AFC Sudbury, according to manager Luke Mallett.
AFC Sudbury will be strong favourites to win the cup when they take on Stowupland Falcons in the final at Portman Road on Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.30pm.
AFC Sudbury will be looking to win the trophy for the second time in three seasons against a Stowupland Falcons side appearing in their first final.
However, it will be the first time that AFC Sudbury have appeared at Portman Road, which Mallett said will the occasion even more special.
He said: “It’s an extremely exciting occasion for the girls and us as a management team. I know a lot of the girls have played in big stadiums with either the Academy in national finals, at Colchester two seasons ago in this cup, with previous teams and even on international duty, but Portman Road is a first for us all.
“We have a few Ipswich Town supporters, myself included, amongst us, so it’s a little more special.”
Reaching the final at Portman Road is the latest milestone in what has been a prosperous few seasons for AFC Sudbury, and winning the trophy would mean great deal to Mallett’s team.
He said: “This was one of a few targets we set out at the start of the season, to win the county cup along with retaining National League status, so to win the final would really cap off a fantastic season and something to really build off leading into next season.
“We had no idea that we would be playing at Portman Road, so it’s just extra motivation to go and win that trophy after 90 minutes.”
Mallett admitted that managing a side at Portman Road was something to tick off his bucket list.
“Ever since the venue of the final was announced, the thought of walking out at Portman Road with the girls has really made this final feel extra special.
“We are all just chomping at the bit to get going and looking to make it a special occasion,” he said.
AFC Sudbury, who have just retained their status in Division One South East of the FA Women’s National League, will be up against opponents who play three leagues below them in the Premiership of the Suffolk Girls’ & Womens League.
However, Mallett said: “We will be treating this game like any other game. We know the expectation and the thoughts of people around us, but the mentality will be to stick to our standards and style of play.
“We also want to put on a show for all those coming to watch and support us, so you can expect the usual fast pace, free-flowing football that we hope can excite everyone watching.”
Mallett said AFC Sudbury have no fresh injury concerns so expect to have a full squad to choose from except for their long-term injury absentees.
The AFC Sudbury squad are pictured above.
