Zebras and Wolves in semi-final clash
PHC Zebras' outstanding season got even better yesterday when they drew Wolves in the FA Cup semi-final draw yesteray.
The Martonmere Cup champions, also top of the league and on the verge of lifting the title, were given the luxury of playing the First Division side on April 6, while Boulevard will face Dandy Town in the other semi-final.
But Zebras, who are looking to lift every piece of silverware this season, say they won't take their opponents lightly.
"We weren't sitting around hoping for Wolves", said PHC skipper Chris Furbert. "They just knocked out the defending champions so they are no pushovers.
"But we will take every game as if it is a final because if we look ahead to the FA semis we could lose our next league game and put ourselves in a bind."
The Zebras midfielder said they can't "count their chickens before they hatch."
"We have put ourselves in a good position being in the final of Friendship and leaders in the league, so we are not taking this as if it was our right to get Wolves.
"They have some players I have played with and against since I was a kid, so we are preparing for a battle."
In the Women's FA Cup, new champions will be crowned after Prospect were sent crashing out to North Village Lady Rams.
Lady Rams will now have to face Lady Cougars, who will also be their foes this weekend as the two lock horns in league play.
Yet Cougars will be licking their lips knowing they can deflate the Lady Rams' hopes of silverware with the sides separated by a single point in the league and a place in the final at stake.
"We have had a lot to get through this season", said Lady Cougars defender Arkeita Smith. "I feel that it is just another challenge for Lady Cougars to overcome."
The other semi-final will pit last year's beaten finalists Dandy Stars against Somerset Hurricanes.
Men's FA Cup
April 6 - Wolves v PHC, 2.30 p.m., venue TBA
April 20 - Boulevard v Dandy Town, 2.30 p.m., venue TBA
Women's FA Cup
April 6 - Somerset Hurricanes, 12.30 p.m., venue TBA
April 20 - N.Village Lady Rams v Lady Cougars, 12.30 p.m., venue TBA