Falcons looking to cause major upset
STOWUPLAND Falcons will call on their ‘incredible team spirit’ as they try to create an upset in the MH Goals Suffolk Women’s Cup Final.
They will be massive underdogs when they meet AFC Sudbury, who play three leagues higher, in Tuesday’s final at Portman Road, kick-off 7.30pm.
Stowupland Falcons, who play in the Premiership of the Suffolk Girls’ & Womens League, will be appearing in their first final versus an AFC Sudbury side who have just retained their status in Division One South East of the FA Women’s National League.
Martin Huggins, who is joint manager with Simon Gant, outlined what it means to the club to play at Portman Road.
He said: “The team and club are buzzing! Made even more special with the final being at what is now a Premier League ground!
“It is a fantastic achievement for a club like ours and our small squad of players. The club have been building their girls’ and female section for a number of years and the ladies’ team getting to this final in only their fourth season is testament to that hard work. Many of our team have started with our Youth section.
“We are hoping that we will have lots of support. With our large group of loyal supporters made up of the players’ family and friends, joined by players and families of our other teams.
“We are likely to also have support from other teams within our league who will hopefully be wanting us to put in a good performance and fly the flag for the SGWFL against National League opponents.”
Huggins revealed that he used the prospect of a potential Portman Road final as motivation to his players after a slow start to the season.
He said: “During the team talk before our first-round tie against Sudbury Sports I told the team they had chance to get to the final of this cup which we hoped would be at Portman Road!
“At that time, we had not won any of our pre-season friendlies and lost our first league game, so needed some motivation. The team have put in some incredible performances throughout this competition, plus missing out on playing the big four higher league sides as each round was drawn, has kept that dream alive!”
However, he is under no illusions as to the task that his side face in the final.
“On paper we are leagues apart, particularly in regards facilities, with AFC Sudbury having a fantastic set up, training facilities and coaching available, with us playing on the village playing field!
“However, we will tell our players to go out there with the belief that we have instilled in them and enjoy the game.
“Our team spirit has been incredible this season, which was shown in our brilliant semi-final win. We have nothing to lose, and the pressure will be more on AFC Sudbury.”
Huggins said some key players were ‘gutted’ to miss out on the opportunity to play at Portman Road.
“Firstly, Paige Batram has been missing since Christmas, her 'knee injury' turned out to be better news, with her expecting her first child this summer!
“Molly Baker ruptured her Achilles just before our semi-final, she has undergone surgery but not soon enough to feature in the final.
“Finally, Emily Bates broke her collar bone whilst winning the National Universities Cup Final with Loughborough.”
Huggins watched last season’s final at Colchester United FC with daughter Emily, who was there as part of the Suffolk Schools under 16s squad receiving her medal.
“She said to me during the game that she will be playing in the final next year! She was right, which for is incredible in her first season in ladies’ football and that she is still only 16!” he added.
The Stowupland Falcons squad are pictured above.
