Phil Barnes says that he and his Holbeach United players want to lift the Uhlsport UCL Knockout Cup for their former team-mates and ex-boss Danny Hussey.
The Tigers will take on UCL Premier Division rivals Rothwell Corinthians in the re-arranged 2019/20 final at Blackstones on Wednesday night (7.30pm).
Then managed by Danny Hussey, Holbeach reached the final back in February when Michael Frew’s goal shot down Loughborough University in a Carter’s Park semi-final – but the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season early and it was expected the final wouldn’t be played.
The likes of Nick Jackson, Liam Adams, Danny Setchell and Will Bird were all in the squad that day but have since moved on, but Holbeach have retained the vast majority of the squad.
Barnes is looking forward to the final and hopes to secure the Tigers’ first silverware since lifting the Lincolnshire FA Senior Trophy under Seb Hayes back in 2018.
He said: “It’s a big bonus for us that the final is being played. We obviously want to get our hands on some silverware for everyone involved at the club.
“But we also want to win it for Danny Hussey and those players who helped us get there but are no longer involved with the club.
“You always want to win a trophy and it’s great that the lads haven’t been denied the chance to play this final.”
Before the Rothwell showdown, Holbeach have the small matter of a UCL Premier Division home clash against Harborough Town on Saturday (3pm).
Just three points separate the sides in the table and Barnes is not looking beyond what he expects to be a tough test.
“Saturday is our priority,” said the Tigers chief. “We can’t be looking past Harborough.
“They went to Boston Town and won at the weekend, which is no mean feat. If we can get three points, it’ll set us up nicely for the cup final.”
Key striker Josh Ford will miss both games due to suspension, while Luke Wilson is also banned for the Harborough game.
But striker Jonny Lockie could return from injury and Barnes has a seven-day approach in for an attacker who he can speak to on Monday.
