Spalding Utd v Holbeach Utd (Saturday 3pm)

HOLBEACH United stalwart Phil Barnes believes the Tigers can end more than a decade of not beating the Tulips this weekend.

The Tigers' new head coach is confident of reaching Tuesday's final of the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Shield.

Speaking before last night's match with Moulton Harrox (result not known as we went to press), he said: "Our preparation has been really good, we're playing some good football and we're looking forward to it.

"We're confident we can get a result."

Barnes has experienced the rivalry of the derby on both sides.

He said: "It's a game you always look forward to.

"I have to say that the most memorable one for me was when I was playing for Spalding! It was a 2-0 win in front of a big crowd."

That was in the 2003/04 season after ex-Tulips boss Dick Creasey had left Holbeach straight after leading them to the UCL Premier Division title.

Barnes (35) has played his last derby, having hung up his boots this summer to concentrate on coaching and giving younger players a shot.

The Tigers and Tulips have been in different leagues for the past four seasons, but Spalding have still held the upper hand in meetings.

Twice the Tulips have prevailed at the same stage of the same tournament.

The last meeting two years ago took 18 penalties in a sudden death shoot-out to separate the rivals.

Tom Gosling had fired the Tigers ahead, but Mark Lovelace's late header past Kevin Cross forced penalties.

Captain Gary Pawson's spot kick in the shoot-out sent the Tulips through to the final against Deeping Rangers, which they lost 2-0.

Saturday's other semi-final is Deeping Rangers at home to new-look Bourne Town.

The winners of the Tulips v Tigers tie will host the final on Tuesday (7.45pm). The losers of that match stage the 3rd/4th play-off, also on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Admission for all four matches in the tournament is only £3 for adults and £2 for concessions.

The papers make no money out of the tournament – any profit is divided between the four clubs.