Reusch First Division Cup Final Preview - City of Liverpool v Sandbach United
Sun 30th April 2017 | The Edward Case Cup | By Ian Templeman
The first day of May is traditionally known as a celebration of the coming of spring, and in some countries is now observed as a holiday in honour of workers and labour organisations.
But for those who follow the Hallmark Security League, this particular Bank Holiday Monday is notable for being the date of the first cup final of the season, with City of Liverpool facing up to Sandbach United in the Reusch First Division Cup final.
Supporters from both clubs will form an all ticket sell out crowd at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, home of Runcorn Linnets, for what promises to be a fascinating game between two sides who were separated by only seven points in the final First Division league table, once the league programme was completed on Saturday.
The possibility of the clubs meeting again this season in the First Division play off final still remains, but for now it's all about cup glory, with both teams contesting their first cup final as members of the Hallmark Security League.
Both have been in consistently good form throughout the season, although Sandbach hold the psychological advantage of being unbeaten in the two league games against the Purples this season, winning 2-1 at home just before Christmas, and then drawing 0-0 at the Delta Taxis Stadium in early March.
The two managers are understandably confident about their sides' chances, in what promises to be a fascinating and close fought game.
Sandbach United manager Andy Hockenhull: "We've done well against them, and we certainly played better against them in league games than we did against Holker in the second leg of the semi-final.
"The players know their jobs, we know what they can do and we know we can create chances.
"We are going to the final to win it, no doubt about that, as we do every game. I feel that on our day, if we can get our strongest eleven out, we can match anyone and give anyone a good game, so we will be going for it".
City of Liverpool manager Simon Burton: "I think it's going to be a really tight final. Sandbach are a good side, they are well organised, very fit and they work very hard.
"At our place particularly they really worked hard, chased everything down and made it very difficult for us, and we struggled on the day to get the ball down because they pressed us so well.
"So it's going to be a really tough game, it's not a given. They have been up near the top of the league for a reason because they are a good side, but it's all about us and what we do on the day".
Kick off at the Millbank Linnets Stadium is at 3 pm, with entrance by ticket only. All tickets have been sold and none will be available on the day.
Supporters travelling to the game are reminded about parking restrictions in the areas around the ground - more details can be found by clicking here.
Reusch First Division Cup Final Preview - City of Liverpool v Sandbach United
Sun 30th April 2017 | The Edward Case Cup
By Ian Templeman
The first day of May is traditionally known as a celebration of the coming of spring, and in some countries is now observed as a holiday in honour of workers and labour organisations.
But for those who follow the Hallmark Security League, this particular Bank Holiday Monday is notable for being the date of the first cup final of the season, with City of Liverpool facing up to Sandbach United in the Reusch First Division Cup final.
Supporters from both clubs will form an all ticket sell out crowd at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, home of Runcorn Linnets, for what promises to be a fascinating game between two sides who were separated by only seven points in the final First Division league table, once the league programme was completed on Saturday.
The possibility of the clubs meeting again this season in the First Division play off final still remains, but for now it's all about cup glory, with both teams contesting their first cup final as members of the Hallmark Security League.
Both have been in consistently good form throughout the season, although Sandbach hold the psychological advantage of being unbeaten in the two league games against the Purples this season, winning 2-1 at home just before Christmas, and then drawing 0-0 at the Delta Taxis Stadium in early March.
The two managers are understandably confident about their sides' chances, in what promises to be a fascinating and close fought game.
Sandbach United manager Andy Hockenhull: "We've done well against them, and we certainly played better against them in league games than we did against Holker in the second leg of the semi-final.
"The players know their jobs, we know what they can do and we know we can create chances.
"We are going to the final to win it, no doubt about that, as we do every game. I feel that on our day, if we can get our strongest eleven out, we can match anyone and give anyone a good game, so we will be going for it".
City of Liverpool manager Simon Burton: "I think it's going to be a really tight final. Sandbach are a good side, they are well organised, very fit and they work very hard.
"At our place particularly they really worked hard, chased everything down and made it very difficult for us, and we struggled on the day to get the ball down because they pressed us so well.
"So it's going to be a really tough game, it's not a given. They have been up near the top of the league for a reason because they are a good side, but it's all about us and what we do on the day".
Kick off at the Millbank Linnets Stadium is at 3 pm, with entrance by ticket only. All tickets have been sold and none will be available on the day.
Supporters travelling to the game are reminded about parking restrictions in the areas around the ground - more details can be found by clicking here.
