Saturday’s huge PFA Senior Cup semi-final with Premier Division leaders Peterborough Sports Reserves could shape Pinchbeck United’s season.
That’s the verdict of player/boss Ian Dunn, who feels the winner of the clash will not only book a place in the final – but also seize the initiative in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title race.
‘Win at all costs’ is Dunn’s main priority in the Knight Street semi-final (2pm) with Sports – who are four points clear of second-placed Pinchbeck in the league – one of only two sides to have beaten The Knights in competitive matches this season.
And, although Dunn isn’t looking to settle any scores with Sports after losing 2-1 against them in the Premier Division back in August, he admits that the defeat still hurts. “I don’t really think there is a score to settle or that we have anything to prove,” said the veteran striker. “But yes, that loss still rankles a little.
“I felt like we deserved a draw that day, we dominated in the second half but got hit by a sucker punch goal at the end.
“Saturday isn’t about that game. It’s solely about reaching the final, nothing else matters on the day. But, if we can beat them, it will give us confidence to go to their place and beat them in the league.
“We had exactly the same thing with Netherton recently. We beat them well in the cup and they changed the way they played in the league game, which we also won.
“Beating Sports will put doubt in their mind and that can only benefit us for the rest of the season.
“Obviously, the same applies if they can beat us. It’s a huge game.
“Sports are a very experienced side, perhaps one of the oldest in the league. It’s important that we make them work hard and that we play the way that I know we can.”
Dunn hopes that defenders Kofi Ross and Jack Smith will be fit to feature in the semi-final, while Tyler Wright is also expected to shake off a knock after being forced to come off in Saturday’s 3-1 win over ICA Sports.
If Pinchbeck can win on Saturday, they will reach their second cup final of the season – having also secured a berth in the President Premier Shield showpiece for the second year on the spin.
Beating Sports is easier said than done, however.
The Premier Division leaders have only lost once in the league all season – but did lose 3-1 to Netherton United in the quarter-finals of the President Premier Shield back on January 14.
Pinchbeck have beaten Netherton twice since then.
