Under-18s coach Richie Abrams will encourage his players to soak up the occasion and put their best foot forward as they seek to make history this weekend.   Inglewood United have never won the Under-18 Cup but Abrams’ teenage squad are determined to change that on Saturday morning when they face Cockburn City in the finale of this year’s knock-out competition.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in and win finals at Dorrien Gardens so I know just how special the day can be,” Abrams commented.   “Daniel (Stoitis) and I will be asking the lads to take it all in and make sure they enjoy the day, to put their best foot forwards and be prepared to put their body on the line for each other.”

“The Cup is our only chance for silverware this term.   Our Cup form has been fantastic, we’ve had a very tough path to the final and beaten Perth SC, Stirling Lions, Balcatta and Floreat Athena.   The players want to do well and we’re working hard this week to ensure we are correctly prepared for our next 90 minutes.”

Inglewood warmed up for the Cup Final by claiming a 2-1 victory over joint National Premier Leagues leaders Stirling last weekend.   “That win shows what we can do on our day,” said Abrams.   “We restricted Stirling to very few efforts on goal and maintained good levels of possession throughout, so the lads are confident of putting on a good display.”

“We’ve got a good balance of youth and experience.   Nic Challot will be key player for us on the day but I expect in-form players such as Kieran Patterson, Tyler Garner, Matt Sutcliffe, Brian Mashingaidze and Nelson Tshongo to have an impact as well.   We have two good goalkeepers in Rhys McFarlane and Luke Hutcheson so there’s a few tough decisions to make too.”

Abrams has a fair idea of what to expect from a Cockburn side that collected a 2-0 win over Inglewood only a few weeks back.   “Previous results really don’t matter,” he said.   “Cockburn took their chances in front of goal a fortnight ago and we didn’t so they rightly got the points.   Our games with Cockburn have been played in the right spirit and I Saturday won’t be any different.”

“Cockburn are a very organised and disciplined team, and if we are to win the Cup we need to make sure we make the most of our chances when they come.   Whatever the outcome, Daniel and I are very proud of the players for making it to the Cup Final and we hope they, their parents and everyone associated with Inglewood United enjoys the day.”