Having already secured the league title, Chris Todd’s Under-18s will go in search of more silverware tomorrow, as they take on Bridgwater in their first of two cup finals.
Whilst a new date for the recently-postponed Wotton Printers Youth Cup Final against Tavistock is yet to be finalised, tomorrow morning at Fairfax Park, the Young Gulls will be looking to lift the Gary Else Memorial League Cup by overcoming Bridgwater, a team that United dispatched 3-2 on their way to sealing their first South West Counties Youth League title only a few weeks ago.
“It’ll definitely be a competitive game,” began Chris.
“We know how they’ll be set up, and what they’re about. They’re always physical, and a good team really. It’ll be good competition, the boys are looking forward to it, and we’ve had a good week with the lads for a couple of days training with the first team. We’ve got a couple of niggles and injuries, but it’s about the lads and how they perform on the day really.”
Although this game may come too soon for one or two of Torquay’s title-winning squad, United’s Head of Youth highlighted the strength in depth of his squad, with a whole of players ready to step up, with cup glory at stake.
“That’s what it’s about, because there’s lads that haven’t played so much this season, who have kind of missed out because the squad’s been so strong, but when they’ve come in, they’ve done extremely, extremely well.
“I always enjoy watching them, they’re a bright bunch, and the spirit between them all is always nice to see. We’re looking forward to the game now – it should be nice weather for it – and hopefully we can have a good day.”
Although their opponents will boast home advantage for the showpiece, Todd doesn’t expect his side to be fazed by the occasion, and sent out an invitation to any of the Yellow Army unable to make it to Grimsby tomorrow.
“It’s in their back yard, and we’ve got to go away to their place, they’ll be used to their pitch more than us, but it’s a game where we’ve gone away all season and got some great results, so hopefully we’ll be able to do that again tomorrow. If they perform to the best of their ability, we’ll be successful, and I have every confidence in my group. They’re a good side, and that’s why they won the league. We’ve just got to keep doing the things we’ve been doing all season.
“We would love to see a few of the fans there, with the Yellow Army’s amazing singing voices, that would be very special for the boys. They’ll have a few fans there as it’s a home game, so any support we can get added, would add to the experience.”
The match kicks off at Bridgwater’s Fairfax Park ground (TA6 4TZ) on Saturday at 11am, with entrance FREE to all supporters.
Best of luck, lads!