STEVE Richardson will be looking to end his spell as Basingstoke Town caretaker-manager by picking up the Hampshire Senior Cup.
Town face Farnborough in the final of the county cup, which will take place at AFC Bournemouth's Dean Court stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Despite this week's appointment of Frank Gray, the new boss will watch the final from the stands - leaving Richardson to pick the side for one last time.
"We are all really up for it," said Richardson. "It should be a good day and the lads are really looking forward to playing in the final.
"It means a lot to win the county cup and would be a good achievement. Having made it this far, we want to finish the job."
In Farnborough, Town face a team high in confidence. Andy Clement's side go into the match looking to secure a league and cup double, having been crowned champions of Southern League Division One South and West last month.
advertisement
"I went to watch them a couple of weeks ago and they play with a lot of confidence," Richardson said.
"They are a well-organised side but try to pass the ball as well. Like us, they keep it on the ground and play the ball to feet, so it should be a good match."
Basingstoke go into the final looking to end a difficult season in a positive manner, having failed to win any of their last 15 Blue Square South outings, eventually finishing the campaign in 15th position.
They will enter the match as favourites but Richardson insists that his side will not be taking their lower-league opposition lightly.
"We will be expected to win but this is a cup final and, in those sorts of games, everyone has got a chance, no matter what level they normally play at," he said. "We should win the game, though, and if the players perform at their best, I am confident that we will do that."
Striker Michael Charles will miss the match due to an ankle injury and goalkeeper Nick Jones is cup-tied but, other than that, Richardson has a full squad to pick from.
Reserve 'keeper Bledian Fejzullahu is expected to start between the sticks, while either Scott Fitzgerald or David Tarpey will partner James Taylor in attack.
See Monday's Gazette for a report, reaction and pictures from the Hampshire Senior Cup final
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
