FROM THE DUGOUT
We speak to Emley AFC manager Richard Tracey ahead of tonight's NCEL League Cup Final
Emley AFC tonight face Parkgate in the NCEL League Cup final to be played at Scunthorpe Uniteds's Glanford Park 7:45pm kick off. Pewits manager Richard Tracey is confident his players can once again create history by winning both a league title and cup double in the same season for the first time.
Although Tracey is confident in his players own ability he has pre-warned the team that things won't be easy against Parkgate who have played more recently than Emley, and did win the league below Emley too and so are in good form.
Going into the match tonight, Tracey said: “We're looking forward to it, it's a third competition that we've got an opportunity to win in the last 14 months, and so we're really looking forward to it and we're delighted to be in the final.
“To do a double would be a fantastic end to the season. However we know Parkgate are a very good team and we certainly aren't taking them lightly. They were third from bottom after 13 games in their league. So they have pretty much won every game to get themselves in a position to win the league. So they're a team that's used to winning.
“They've got some experienced players and some serial winners in their side. Danny Patterson and Liam Royles have been in teams that have won promotions within the NCL, so they're an experienced team.
“They'll be very confident that they can get a result. They've beaten both Silsden and Campion in the last two rounds to get to the final. Those two teams recently beat us. So they'll be.very confident that they can come and cause an upset.
“They have played more recently than us and so they'll be very sharp and match ready
“We're a bit undercooked, I would say having only played twice in the time that they've had five or six games. I felt we were rusty against Rossington and obviously we're trying to do what we can to avoid that happening again.
“We want to win this cup for the fans and it's great to hear so many people getting across to watch us. The fans' backing has been amazing all season and I'm sure their brilliant support will help us get the victory tonight.”