Trimley desperate to win cup again
TRIMLEY Red Devils are ‘desperate’ to experience the joy of winning the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup again.
They lifted the cup for the first time in the club’s history last season, defeating Leiston’s U23s 2-0 in the final at Portman Road.
Trimley can take a step closer to repeating that success if they can overcome Henley Athletic in Friday’s semi-final at Notcutts Park, home of Woodbridge Town FC, kick-off 7.45pm.
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Anthony Fryatt, who is a member of the management team along with Craig Chidlow and Andy Pirie, agreed it had been a case of so far, so good in Trimley’s defence of the cup this season.
He said: “I guess it would be hard to say otherwise. We have had it very tough and had to overcome some very tough games in the process, but we are delighted to be involved at the semi-final stage for the second season in a row and, of course, will be doing all we can to ensure our defence of the cup does not end there!”
Fryatt said it had not felt any different to taking part in last season’s competition now that they are the holders.
“From our point of view, it has been business as usual, preparing for every game as we would but the team talks being made slightly easier with reference to the joys we experienced last season. We are all desperate to experience that again!”
The two sides know each other well and met in the Senior Division of the Gateway 14 SIL Senior Division only last Saturday, Henley winning 1-0, and Fryatt is not concerned about meeting the same opposition again.
“Personally, I always like to be as prepared as possible so the more you know about the opposition can only help. To be honest though, I don’t think it matters either way as it will be the same for both teams.
“Our performance against the same opposition on Saturday has probably made it easier, we will start by asking for a reaction as we will certainly have to improve to stand any chance.
“We will, of course, try to draw as much from last year’s experience as we can. Our best performance was certainly in the semi final, so we will be asking that the energy and desire shown at this stage last season is replicated!
“It is great, however, for the SIL league that there is a guaranteed finalist from the league and with teams taking up three out of the four semi-final spots it really does highlight the strength of the league,” he continued.
Fryatt said everyone connected with the club was focussed on reaching the final again: “Last year was really, really special and it is great for the county that Portman Road will again be hosting the final.
“It is great for the teams involved for the day and does add an extra special feel to the cup and an extra motivation for teams to make it.
“From our point of view from the minute our celebrations finished last year we have been focussed on backing it up, bottling up the emotions and doing all we can to ensure we get to do it all again!”
Fryatt admitted it would be ‘absolutely amazing for all involved at the club’ if they could retain the trophy.
“Last year’s success really vitalised the whole club and bought all age groups together, the support we got from the youth section last year was unreal and we are going to need it again!
“We know exactly how tough it is going to be for us to achieve it, you have to go back 13 years since the cup has been won back-to-back and close to 30 since a team playing at Step 7 have done it!” he continued.
Trimley Red Devils (red shirts) are pictured above in action versus Leiston U23s (blue shirts) in last season’s final at Portman Road. Photograph: Paul Voller
