FOOTBALL: Magnet so close to Anfield dream
Friday, 9am - SPALDING Sunday League side Magnet Tavern are just 90 minutes away from a dream FA Sunday Cup final at Anfield.
John Chand's star-studded Division One outfit make the trip to Hinckley United's ground to take on Birstall Stamford in a winner-takes-all semi-final on Sunday.
Highly-rated boss Chand (pictured) - who harbours serious aspirations to try his hand at a higher level - says the game is the biggest he has ever been involved in.
He said: "It doesn't come much bigger than this, for myself and most of the lads this is the biggest game of our careers.
"Anfield is so close now that nobody wants to go out. Personally, I'd have rather gone out in the first round than fall at the final hurdle.
"I'm glad the game is at Hinckley. It's a great set-up there and the pitch is brilliant.
"We have 18 or 19 lads wanting to play, so it's down to me to pick the best 16 now."
Once again former Aston Villa striker Julian Joachim will spearhead Tavern's attack, with UCL Premier Division goal-machine Miles Hunter joining him in an impressive frontline.
Spalding United skipper Andy Toyne and ex-Tulips attacker Simon Mowbray will also be among a strong 16-man squad making the trip to the Greene King Stadium.
But Chand has been to watch his opponents a few times - and admits his side face an uphill task to reach the showpiece final.
Four of their players - including dangerman Kris Nurse - ply their trade with Loughborough Dynamo in UniBond League Division One South.
Chand added: "They are very strong physically and in Kris Nurse they have a great striker.
"I've watched them a few times and they are well-organised - we'll have to be at our best to beat them, that's for sure."
A former assistant boss at Bourne Town and once chief scout at Holbeach United, Chand hopes that Magnet's run in the national competition has put him in the shop window.
He is looking to take over a UCL Premier Division next season - and with an ever-improving CV there may be no shortage of takers.
Chand added: "I've made no secret of the fact that I want to try my hand at a higher level.
"A local UCL side would suit me perfectly and maybe something will come up this summer.
"For now I'm focused on winning this competition, which would be a great achievement for myself and the players."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Spalding
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
