Find local news in Kent

Home   Kent   Sport   Article

Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders to decide how many youngsters will feature in squad for League Cup final

00:00, 08 April 2014

updated: 07:41, 08 April 2014

There are tough decisions facing boss Jay Saunders as he bids to lead Maidstone to League Cup success.

United have home advantage for the final against Ryman League Division 1 North Sudbury on Tuesday night (7.45pm) and are big favourites to lift the trophy.

Youngsters have played key roles in United's run and Saunders must decide how many to include in his final squad.

Jay Saunders
Jay Saunders

The Stones boss said: "I've always looked to give young lads an opportunity in the League Cup and full credit to them for helping us get to the final.

"Liam King came in and scored against Hastings, Will Godmon saved a penalty in the quarter-finals against Burgess Hill and Gary Smith scored the winner in that game.

"Everyone's desperate to play when you get to a final."

Alex Flisher is suspended while Elliott Cox is cup-tied for the final of a competition which Saunders admits wasn't a priority at the start of the season.

But he feels victory could boost their Ryman League Premier Division play-off push, just as it did for Concord Rangers last season.

Saunders said: "To be honest, the Kent Senior Cup was the one I had my eye on, what with the final being at Gillingham, but we were ravaged by injuries when we had Whitstable in the quarter-finals.

"We're in the final of the League Cup and we want to win it.

"Concord were in a similar position to us last season. They weren't going through a great spell, then they won the League Cup, went on a run and ended up getting promoted.

"We have home advantage but anything can happen in a cup final.

"Sudbury are going to be up for it and I'm sure they'll be keen to impress, so it's certainly not a case of just turning up and winning."

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More