The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Tom Roberts feels Holbeach United couldn’t have asked for a tougher test in Monday’s ChromaSport UCL Knockout Cup final.
The Tigers are gearing up for a final clash against Division One champions Peterborough Sports at Deeping’s Haydon Whitham Stadium (3pm).
Jimmy Dean’s Sports won 33 of their 36 league games this season – and are are expected to be amongst the favourites to win the Premier Division next season.
Player/boss Roberts, whose side Will have played 12 games in 29 days before the final, doesn’t feel Premier Division status gives Holbeach the edge.
He’s wary of a Sports side that have a goal difference of +115 in the league this term thanks to attacking talents like Josh Moreman, Jordan Macleod, Avelino Vieira and Karl Gibbs.
“It may sound odd, but we’re the underdogs,” said Roberts. “I’ve heard people say we’ve got the edge, but I don’t see it that way to be honest.
“They’ve got a side that could easily compete at step five – and perhaps even step four already.
“Already, I see them as a side that will be challenging for the Premier Division title next season. Their attacking options are impressive.
“But that’s OK, we revel in the role as under dog. We showed that in the FA Cup run too.
“We’ve just got to remain focused. It couldn’t be much harder for us – Sports are something of an unknown to us.
“If it had been Kempston or Leicester Nirvana we would have at least had some experience playing against them.”
Although their league form has dipped in recent weeks, Roberts does feel that victory in the cup final would cement a strong season for his side.
That, coupled with a potential top-six finish and a money-spinning FA Cup run, would surely please most clubs in the UCL Premier Division.
“I think winning the cup would top off a strong season,” added Roberts. “If we can finish in the top six, a trophy would be the icing on the cake.
“Any trophy win is memorable, so hopefully we can finish with a bang.”
Lee Beeson and Adam Jackson are expected to be in the Tigers’ squad, while late fitness tests will be handed to Ricky Drury and Jordan Thomas.
