Mickleover Sports manager John McGrath believes that his side have the spirit to cause an upset in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final.
This year’s final will be held at Pride Park Stadium for the first time in the competition’s history.
The final will see Mickleover Sports take on nine-time winners, Alfreton Town, in what is only their second time featuring in the Cup’s final.
On their journey to the final, Mickleover beat Gresley FC, Belper United and Clay Cross Town. Meanwhile competition favourites Alfreton defeated Glossop North End, Buxton Town and Matlock Town in their run to the final.
Mickleover will come into the game massive underdogs as they are currently battling relegation from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, which is one division lower than Alfreton’s.
Despite the odds being against his side, Mickleover manager, John McGrath, says that he has confidence that his team can cause a big upset. He said: “Everyone knows the struggles that we are having in the league this season but that is why this final is so welcome.
“A trophy for this team could give us the lift that we need for the remainder of our season and if anyone’s got the character and spirit to pull off such an upset, it’s this side.”
Mickleover’s owner, Don Amott, has previously been a board member at Derby County and he will get to see Mickleover at their first final under his ownership at his former team’s stadium. He said: “I am really looking forward to it. No matter what sport you are competing in, winning a trophy is an amazing feeling.
“What an experience it will be for the players being able to play at Pride Park. It will also be a special feeling for me going back to one of the stadium’s I love.”
The final will take place on Wednesday April 24, which is only three days before the final game of the league season. The fate of both sides in their league could be settled by then which may add extra weight to this year’s final.
Volunteer at Mickleover, Dave Kelsey, has also spoken about the side’s performances in the cup this season and hopes Mickleover can pull off a shock. He said: “As a volunteer it’s been great following Mickleover through all the rounds of the Derbyshire Senior Cup, with plenty of goals and good performances. We have had several home draws and it’s been great seeing new teams at the Don Amott Arena.
We are all looking forward to seeing John and the team play at Pride Park Stadium which helps make the final even more exciting. We have only reached the final once in our history so to hopefully go and win the competition would be a great night for everyone associated with Mickleover Sports Football Club.”
