One of South Holland’s fiercest rivalries spills over to Stamford tomorrow night (Friday) as Moulton Harrox and Pinchbeck go head-to-head in the ChromaSport PDFL President Premier Shield final.
The PDFL Premier Division duo will end their respective seasons at The Zeeco (7.30pm kick off), with both looking to end impressive campaigns on a high.
For Moulton, the incentive is a Premier Division and Shield double that would elevate the players to the same lofty heights as the side that won a historic treble under Paul Kent back in 2013.
Boss Dave Panton, who has enjoyed a sensational debut campaign as chief, admits that confidence is high in the Broad Lane camp.
They have won three of the last four against their perennial enemy – and the chief admits that it’s a “fantastic chance” for his charges to make history.
“I am very confident,” said Panton. “It’s a cup final, so every player on the pitch will be very eager to play well.
“We simply need to do what we have been doing all season and play our football.
“Of course this is football and nothing is ever given or written, but we have a fantastic opportunity to win the double.
“I know Ian (Dunn) would love some silverware and to stop us doing the double, which is an added bonus for Pinchbeck.”
Standing in their way are a Pinchbeck side that have already crashed one Harrox party this term.
Ian Dunn’s side ended Moulton’s 30-game unbeaten streak in the league with a 2-1 success at Knight Street last month – and stopped them clinching the title at the home of their chief rivals.
A top three finish in the PDFL Premier Division represents a stellar campaign for United in their own right, having collected 29 more points than they managed last term.
Dunn feels that Moulton will be wary of his side after their recent reverse at Knight Street and reckons that Pinchbeck are the form side ahead of the battle of the Zeeco.
“If we hadn’t beaten them a few weeks ago maybe the mentalities of both teams would be different,” said the player/boss. “We know we can beat them now – and Moulton also know that they’ll have to turn up and play well if they want to beat us.
“Although they are the champions, you could argue that we come into the match as the form side. We won 16 of our last 17 league games – and to finish in the top three is well above expectation for the season.
“We’ve had a good season already. But if we can go there and win, it transforms the season into a very good one.
“It will be very close and I don’t think anyone would like to call it. It’s an old cliché, but it all depends which side turns up and delivers. I have a feeling the side that defends better will win on the night.”
The final will be Panton’s first as a manager. He’s hopeful that Moulton will avenge their derby defeat in what he expects to be an entertaining clash.
The Harrox boss added: “Stamford’s new ground looks fantastic. The occasion is a first for me as a manager.
Saturday. Photo (by NIKKI CLUCAS): VNC070516-51
“I’ve played in a few finals over the years, but obviously I’m really looking forward to the day ahead.
“Pinchbeck are playing very well. As everyone knows, they beat us 2-1 last time at Knight Street.
“But I hope we will avenge that. We know they are going to be organised, motivated and that the tempo of the game will be of a high standard.
“We are two of the top teams in the PDFL, which bodes well for this final. We know each other very well and the players so we will see who delivers on the occasion.
“We have a bus going and I know Pinchbeck have a bus going too, I just hope as many local people come a support the final at the Zeeco and hopefully both teams will put on a good entertaining game.
“The games between the two sides are usually crackers.”
Striker Dunn, who is bidding to win his third trophy as Pinchbeck boss (two spells), has revealed that he has a full squad to pick from ahead of the derby, which he expects to be more like a ChromSport UCL match than a traditional PDFL showdown.
Dunn added: “I don’t know a lot about Stamford’s ground. I’m told that the pitch isn’t in the best shape.
“With that in mind, I think we’ll see a very direct game. I think there will be a lot of chances and it’ll be end to end – more like a UCL game than a PDFL game if I’m honest.
“Moulton will come into this one flying high after lifting the title – and I’m sure they’ll risk any players that are carrying knocks.
“They’ll want to clinch the double, but we’re determined to spoil their party again.
“I’d imagine there will be a big crowd in and I know my players are very much looking forward to the game.”
Follow @Andrew_Clucas on Twitter for live updates from the game.
