Senior Cup Final Preview

The pairing of Merlins Bridge and Tenby for the Senior Cup Final has created enormous interest for the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League’s ‘Blue Riband’ event, which takes place at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium on Saturday, 19th April.

 

One of the focal points of the debate is that Tenby will be making their first-ever appearance in the final and not one of their players has experienced that special involvement, whilst the Bridge have played in more than their share, with some of their more mature players making their fourth visit.

It means the Wizards have a collective total of over 20 appearances for the day and some will argue that this is bound to have an effect, whilst others will point to the Seasiders’ skills at the same venue in the semi-final, where they beat Monkton Swifts 2-0. They passed slickly, looked to go forward at every opportunity and generally looked totally at home, from goalkeeper to strikers.

 

In contrast, the Wizards had their share of luck in their semi-final defeat of holders Johnston as neither side could manage a goal in 120 minutes before a penalty shoot-out which they won only after Steve Mills missed the Tigers’ fifth penalty -  and Bridge keeper Carl Woodhouse might consider himself lucky not to be penalised for moving off his line far too quickly!

 

Sometimes, though, it seems as if a team has its name engraved on the silverware well before the final and for those who believe in that sort of predestination it might be the Wizards picking up the trophy – and with their higher league position they could have a case for holding an edge.

But the Seasiders will surely start the game as slight favourites, despite their inexperience, with goal scorers of the calibre of Sam Christopher, Jerome and Darryl Mansbridge, plus a defence organised by the hugely-experienced Phil Cattlin and Alex Harley, whilst Billy Vaughan and Richard Perry are potent forces in midfield. They also look to have a stronger ‘bench’ and have vast experience in their management team in Mike Lewis and Peter Fearn, both renowned battlers in different ways, and willing their young charges to do well.

 

In the other camp, player/managers Lee Hudgell and Nathan Thomas love nothing better that a battle and Nathan’s twin brothers Peter and Simon join him in their fourth final. Steve McNabney is a potent striker and they have the likes of Dai Davies and John Sable looking to run the show. Paul Thomas and Matthew D’Ivry have experience aplenty at the back alongside Hudgell and Peter Thomas.

 

The teams drew 2-2 at The Clicketts on the opening day of the season and this tussle may yet go as close as that. It is even more difficult than normal to predict a winner because my head says the Wizards’ experience will pay dividends but my heart tells me this is the year for a new name to be on the cup – and on this occasion my heart rules, with apologies to Tenby for picking them!