Village out for FA Cup revenge
North Village will have the opportunity to end PHC's 'Triple Crown' dream tomorrow when the two sides square off in the Friendship Trophy final at the National Sports Centre (NSC).
Village, who were the last team to earn the coveted 'Triple' in their 2005-2006 campaign, which also marked the club's second overall, will be also looking to avenge their FA Cup loss to the same side.
Rams skipper Ralph Bean jr feels his troops don't have an advantage over a Zebras squad who are still playing games on a weekly basis with their involvement in all remaining cup competitions.
"Both situations have their pros and cons because I don't expect Zebras to be worn out physically as a game a week is not very many at all," Bean said yesterday. "I do expect my players to be a little fresher mentally though.
"Time off tends to build a little hunger, so from a mental standpoint I think our time off may actually be a good thing.
"The most important thing is focus and desire. Both teams are good at what they do and we've played each other enough times this season to know what to expect.
"So it will come down to who can maintain focus and execute well for the entire game and then after that it comes down to who really wants it the most. "
With the Rams already holding aloft the Dudley Eve trophy, Bean reckons tomorrow's game will be one that attracts fans from both sides.
"I think it's a final that the public is eager to see and both teams have a passionate fan base," Bean continued.
"Both clubs carry a lot of history and I expect the atmosphere to be quite intense.
"I think the clash of styles will make for an entertaining fixture and I sincerely encourage football fans in general to come out and be a part. "
The sides have shared the spoils this year with North Village winning their second league encounter along with the Dudley Eve fixture, and Zebras getting the better of their rivals in the FA Cup.
The othe two fixtures ended in a draw.
And with a full-strength North Village squad attending training in the build-up to the game, Bean felt his side are up to challenge.
"From the attitude and overall demeanour of the team over the last couple of weeks, I know that we understand the importance of this game and what is at stake.
"Trainings have been well attended and the vibe is positive.
"But on a serious note, the fact that they are in a position to win the 'Triple Crown' is extra motivation to get the victory.
"We won it only a couple years ago, so it is only natural that we will want to defend the fact that we are the last team to do the 'Triple Crown' instead or people saying we were the last before Zebras."
Other action tomorrow at the NSC will see St. David's play Somerset Eagles for the Shield title.
Both First Division sides will be looking to finish their respective seasons on a high.
Also tomorrow, Tuff Dogs play Lobster Pot, who they beat in their final league match last Saturday 2-0, for the right to lift the Commercial Cup.