Slimbridge AFC will host Droitwich Spa FC this Saturday (March 7) at Thornhill Park in the semi-final of the UHL Challenge Cup, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm, writes Oli Neale.
The Swans go into the tie knowing a place in their first cup final since 2010 is at stake.
The two sides have met once so far this season, when Slimbridge ran out 6-0 winners at Droitwich in the league back in August. However, with both teams enjoying strong league campaigns, Saturday’s match is expected to be a far tighter affair.
Currently, the clubs sit level on 57 points in the Hellenic League Premier Division, third and fourth respectively, with Slimbridge only ahead on goal difference.
Slimbridge joint first-team manager Tom Deakin says the occasion represents a major opportunity for the club.
“It gives us and the supporters something to really get behind. Since I’ve been at the club, the closest we’ve got in any competition is a semi-final of the County Cup. So it would be great for us as a team to take the club to a final.”
Deakin also highlighted the role the home support has played throughout the season.
“For the team it’s clear that the crowd has a big impact on what we do. The noise we can hear in games, especially the close ones, helps push us over the line.
“Tuesday night being a prime example. The noise we could hear when the equaliser went in gave us all a lift. And even with 30 seconds on the clock we felt we could make something happen.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s semi-final, Deakin expects a strong test for his side.
“As they say, the league table doesn’t lie. They’ve (Droitwich) been up around the top 5 from day one this season. Which shows their consistency and what they are capable of.
“Their games tend to involve a lot of goals and, equally, they have a good following. So we’re expecting an entertaining game.”
With a place in the final on the line, it promises to be a brilliant afternoon of football at Thornhill Park.
