Newark & Sherwood United manager Romaine Graham aiming for Notts Senior Cup Final success against Hucknall at Mansfield Town FC on Tuesday night
Newark & Sherwood United are focused on the task ahead as they bid to lift the Notts Senior Cup for the second time in three seasons.
The Highwaymen meet United Counties League Premier Division North rivals Hucknall in the final at Mansfield Town’s Field Mill stadium on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
They were given a week off by manager Romaine Graham following the last league game of the campaign - a 4-0 derby defeat at Newark Town on Easter Monday.
The squad reported back for training last Wednesday, refreshed and ready to take on a Hucknall side who finished above them on goal difference.
“I spoke to the lads in terms of preparation and advised them what I’m going to be looking for and how I want to set up, so they were fully briefed on that,” said Graham.
“But I thought it was important to have a break.
“We had two derbies at the end of the season, the results weren’t the best, especially the Newark one, and I just felt being able to recharge was going to add a lot more value than keeping training.
“The players just seem focused. It’s almost like no talking, they’ve just got to get it done.
“We’ve been trying to figure out what’s going off with our form but now it’s like just get it done, let’s focus and in a one-off game I’ve got full faith in the lads.
“Probably in a season we’re not quite there in terms of being consistent and turning up week in, week out, but in a one-off game I think that favours us, and hopefully I’ll be proved right.”
Marley Fearon and Kane Auld miss out through suspension after being sent off in Newark & Sherwood’s penultimate league match, a goalless draw with Sleaford.
Wade Hinds and Luke Williamson are cup-tied but skipper Jamie Goddard is back and goalkeeper Nykah Liburd-Hines should be available after injury, while Louie Jarvis, who’s been on dual-registraion at Heather St John’s, is free to play.
Newark beat Hucknall 3-1 at home before going down 3-0 in the return, a fixture that saw Graham leave players out with the final in mind.
“We’re evenly matched,” said Graham, who captained the Highwaymen to Notts Senior Cup glory against Carlton two years ago.
“It was a bit of a weird one when they beat us 3-0 a couple of weeks ago because we knew we had each other in the final and were both safe from relegation, so it was an experimental game.
“I’ve got an idea how I think they will play against us.
“It’s always difficult at this level because you haven’t got as much insight into what team’s going to play but I’ve had a look at a few games and seen how they line up so I’ll have that in mind when I prepare for them.
“I think they like to pass the ball, so I’ll have to put a system in place to neutralise that.”
Graham will look to his big players to deliver in the final.
Key to their chances is top scorer Kieran Cummings, whose double made the difference in the 3-2 win over Carlton when the Highwaymen last lifted the trophy.
“KC’s definitely one of those big-game players,” said Graham.
“When we won it last time, he scored two and unplayable.
“You can always tell when he’s up for it. He’ll have a point to prove to put himself in the shop window.
“Who knows what could happen for him next season?”
Notts Senior Cup success would mean a trophy for Graham in his first full season of management.
But nothing compares to the buzz of playing and he’ll be telling his squad to make the most of the chance to play at a Football League ground.
“It’s not quite the same as a manager and that’s the message I’ll give to the boys, just enjoy these moments,” said Graham.
“Our form’s not been good and after the Newark game it wasn’t a great place but now the intention is just to look forward to the game.
“When we won it, we played at Eastwood’s ground, so it was great but it wasn’t a pro club.
“I’d love to be playing in a game like this at a Football League ground.
“It’s important we acclimatise quickly to our surroundings so we can just play the game and not the occasion.”
