DROITWICH SPA joint-boss Wayne Oliver has urged his players need to show discipline and maintain their shape to come away with cup success this weekend.
The Saltmen take on West Midlands (Regional) League outfit Worcester Raiders on Saturday (April 30) in the final of the Worcestershire Junior Cup at the 2020 SolarPV King George V Stadium – the home of Pershore Town.
Oliver’s side have not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament, beating Fairfield Villa, Bredon FC and Welland FC 3-0, 4-0 and 2-0 respectively over the course of the competition.
However, the 2013/14 WJC winners come up against a tough opponent in Raiders who have lost twice in their last 14 games in all competitions.
“I’ve been to watch Raiders a couple of times and I know a lot of their players – they’re a well drilled and organised side,” Oliver said.
“They’re quick on the break and difficult to play against so it’s going to be a really tough fixture for us.
“We need to be on our game, we need to be disciplined and we need to keep a balanced shape if we are to win.
“We haven’t conceded all tournament so it’d be nice to keep that record up but we have to score and be at our best.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s clash, Oliver is left with a selection headache as players can only take part if they’ve been signed on for more than 30 days, have made at least four league appearances and not been involved in the Worcestershire Senior Urn.
Bradley Burgess, who got sent off in the 2-2 draw at Knowle on April 9, is the only recent absentee expected to make a return from suspension and with a practically full-strength squad to choose from, Oliver believes scoring early could be key to claiming silverware.
“You always hope to score an early goal and that’s what we will be trying to do as it will settle a few nerves,” he said.
“It would give a bit of a confidence boost if we got the early goal but we can’t expect it to happen, we have to go out there and start well.
“There’s going to be a big crowd and it would be nice to end the season with some silverware.”
Following the cup final, Spa are back in league action on Monday night against already promoted and champions elect Alvis Sporting Club, before ending their league campaign at Rostance Edwards next Saturday.
Spa will then end the season against Alvis in the final of the Presidents Cup on Monday, May 9 (7.30pm KO) at Coton Green’s New Mill Lane.
