Words by Liam Smith / Pics supplied by Erdington United
Erdington United will be playing in their first cup final this week, with the local side – based on Holly Lane – competing for the chance to lift the George Cup.
On Tuesday 8th March, Erdington United will be up against FC Premier Crusaders, in a clash that is sure to be just as exciting as the nailbiting match that secured Erdington’s place in this week’s final
A closely contested semi-final saw normal time finish 1-1, as an equaliser scored with the final kick of the game for Erdington sent the match to an eventual penalty shootout – a sudden death save from Erdington United’s goalkeeper making the difference and sparking celebrations.
Erdington Local caught up with the Erdington United manager, Tyler Ward, ahead of this week’s final to get his thoughts ahead of the all-important match.
When asked on the season so far, Tyler said: “It’s been a mixed bag season. We have not had our full squad together for a single game so far. A disappointing December has taken the possibility of winning the league away from us.”
But the manager is more optimistic looking to the final, adding: “we’ve started 2022 with six wins in six, and hoping to end the season with a couple of trophies.”
The recent form coupled with the opportunity to play in front of a decent sized crowd will make Tuesday’s George Cup final all the more exciting for Erdington United.
One player, Sam Gardiner, told Erdington Local: “the lads are buzzing, especially after our last cup final was abandoned due to the pandemic. Some of us who have been here for a few seasons cannot wait to finally try to win a cup.”
“We’ve had a great start to 2022, but after a long break due to weather and other circumstances, we’ve not had a lot of game time.
“We already know we’re playing a good side so everybody has to be on their A- game, and hopefully our training sessions have allowed us to keep on that level of sharpness for the match ahead.”
This will be Erdington United’s first final, and after last season’s league success the local team are hopeful to add to their silverware collection.
The club have sold out their ticket allocation plus extras, so plenty of support is expected to get behind the local lads.
When asked about the prospect of playing at Sutton Coldfield Town’s ground in front of a sizeable crowd, Sam added: “I’d like to think it will not have too much of an effect on the players, it’s something not many of us have done however, so we will have to see.”
Tickets will be available to purchase on the night for £3 – or you can get in touch with the club to purchase beforehand. This is a great opportunity to get out to support a local grassroots football club.
Erdington United will face FC Premier Crusaders in the George Cup final on Tuesday 8th March, played at Sutton Coldfield Football Cub, Coles Lane, B72 1NL. Kick of is 7:45pm.
For more on Erdington United visit www.erdingtonunited.org