CURZON Ashton ought to be the clear favourites in tomorrow (Monday) night’s Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup final. But their manager, Mark Bradshaw, believes the odds are stacked in Mossley’s favour.
Even though the Lilywhites play in the Evo-stik NPL first division west, two levels beneath his own side, Bradshaw feels they are in a much stronger position to emerge as victors.
He cites Mossley’s status as promotion-chasers, while his own team have faded into midtable; the fact he will have to field a weakened side because so many of his players are injured or cup-tied; and even the fact that the Lilywhites have much better record in the competition.
They have won it four times since 2012, whereas the Nash last lifted the trophy in 1990.
“It’ll be tough, because Mossley are more experienced than us and they’re also going very well while we’ve lost a little bit of focus. Because of the way things are with selection, I’ll have to field squad players but it’ll be an opportunity for them to turn out in a big game,” said Bradshaw.
“There’s two divisions between us but that won’t amount to much on the night. I went to last week’s West Riding County Cup final where there was the same gulf between Guiseley and Ossett United, and Ossett won.
“There’s no doubting that Mossley are a good side, but maybe the fact they’re going for promotion will work in our favour. Sometimes it can mean they lack a bit of momentum away from the league.
“We certainly want to win, and if we do win, I wouldn’t want to claim too much credit as John Flanagan was in charge for the early rounds. I was only there when we played Chadderton. But I’d love us to do well for people like our captain, Jonathan Hunt, who have been at the club so long, and for the officials and supporters who have shown so much dedication.
“Hopefully it’ll will be a good advertisement for football in the Tameside area. I fully expect Dave Wild and Terry Hincks to spring a few surprises, so I think the final will prove to be interesting rather than straightforward.”
Mossley co-boss Dave Wild — a man who makes no secret of his desire to go far in football — is very keen to finish his first full season at Seel Park by adding the Manchester Premier Cup to his CV.
He said: “Of course we want to win it. There’s no point in lying about it. Both Mark and myself are new and neither of us has won a cup so it’s a great opportunity for one of us to break our duck.
“Facing Curzon will be a tough challenge. They’re a really good side but we’re not going there to make up the numbers. We want to get that trophy over the line.
“It was brilliant when we beat Radcliffe in the semis and to actually win the Manchester Premier Cup would be even better.”
The Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup final takes place tomorrow, Monday, April 15, at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields ground. Kick-off is 7.45pm.