At the risk of sounding a little repetitive; there’s been a promising group of players moving their way up through the Tunbridge Wells Youth structure for the last three seasons, and the very first shoots of that are surfacing at first team level, with four players signed on first team forms this season - and two making their first team debuts.
It’s always gratifying to watch the product of hard work shape up and get the recognition it deserves. And so it is with the U16s as they prepare for their Causeway Steel Challenge Cup Final this coming weekend (at Martyn’s Grove, Lordswood - Kick-off 6.00pm).
Defeat at Long Lane just over a week ago ended Tunbridge Wells’ hopes of an U16s League title, making this Sunday’s show-down with Ashford Borough the central focus at this time.
“The defeat at Long Lane did end our title hopes, yes,” acknowledges U16 Coach, Darrell Cousins, “But the response this last Sunday against Bridon Ropes (won 2-0) was tremendous. Reduced to the bare-bones yet again, due to injury and players stuck abroad after holidays, we played the football we know our boys are capable of - and we were complemented on this by the away manager and spectators watching the game, so we know there’s no hang-over from the disappointment at Long Lane as we look forward to this Cup Final.”
That’s probably just as well, as Cousins has plenty of respect for Sunday’s opponents, who have plied their trade in the U16 League Central Division this season.
“Ashford Borough are a good footballing side, and have many good players themselves. They always look to play the ball early, but if we can stick to our game-plan then I'm sure we will be alright. We have some unfinished business with them, as we have yet to beat them in three games we’ve played against them in the past. Maybe this is our time… all the previous games have been very close affairs settled in their favor by the odd goal. There’s no reason to think Sunday’s Final won’t be close too.”
In discussing the Final, though, it becomes clear Cousins is far less concerned with the reward silverware would bring to him for the work he’s put into the players and the club over the years.
“To win the Cup would mean they [the players] have been rewarded with all the hard work they have put in over the last three years. It wouldn’t only be for them, though, but for the Club. It’s been a long time since we have had some silverware in the cupboard at Culverden.
“I'm sure nerves will play a part, but that sometimes can be a good thing and could be channeled to give the boys the edge. If you're too relaxed you can fall into that dreaded comfort-zone which is hard to get out of. Ultimately, win or lose on Sunday, we have a great bunch of lads and some will go on to play at Senior level. It would be the icing on the cake to pick up that Cup!”
Admission at Lordswood FC on Sunday will cost £5 on the gate, and it is thought a good number of regular Wells supporters will be traveling. “I would just like to thank all the supporters in advance who decide to make the trip. Let’s hope we can lift the Cup, or send them home realizing what future talent we have here at the Wells!” Cousins concludes. |
