With the Suffolk League and Cup titles to be decided in the space of four days with two clashes between Long Melford and Brantham Athletic, we spoke with both clubs about their huge double-header.
First up are Long Melford, who host their league decider on Sunday, needing only a draw to secure the championship.
Interviewed were Captain Deben Howlett and Vice-Captain Amy Harrington.
SK: What have been the highs (and any lows) of the season so far?.
DH: Scoring a header from a corner – my only goal of the season.
The own goal I managed to score in the last 30 seconds of extra-time (in the cup semi-final) taking us to penalties, just to add to the pressure!
AH: Playing against Lowestoft Town at home, even though we lost 6-1, it was our best team performance, playing against a team two leagues above us and challenging them every single minute of the game.
Getting injured ahead of the two most important games of the season.
SK: How pleased are you with your team’s form and did you expect to compete well?
DH: Absolutely thrilled with our performance this season, very proud to have been Captain for such a talented bunch!
AH: Couldn’t have asked anymore of the girls this season, everyone has pulled their weight. After progressing well over the last two seasons, I had high hopes that this would be our best.
SK: Has anyone stood out this year, or improved most?
DH: Kerry Humphries. I’d feel lost without my partner in crime! She is always upbeat and full of positivity, a credit to our team.
AH: Beth Hurst, has been amazing all season, pure quality week in, week out.
SK: What will the tension be like for the league decider?
DH: It’s going to be tense, everyone is going to be buzzing, we will go out and give it our all. We deserve the double, after all, we have worked so hard for it.
AH: Obviously everyone will be nervous, there is a lot at stake, but hopefully we will keep positive and put on a good performance.
Pictured: Amy Harrington and Deben Howlett. (Roger Cuthbert photography)
SK: How does it feel to have both league and cup reaching a climax in the space of four days?
DH: If we can get the win for the League title, I think it will place us in a great positon for the Cup, we are more than capable to achieve the double.
AH: It is an amazing position to be in, I think the girls deserve to walk away with the double this season.
Check back tomorrow, when we hear from Brantham Athletic manager, Luke Barnes.
The fixtures:
Sunday April 26th: Suffolk League title decider – Long Melford v Brantham Athletic (Stoneylands, Long Melford, 2pm)
Thursday April 30th: Suffolk League Cup Final – Brantham Athletic v Long Melford (Hadleigh FC, 7.30)
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