Hetton Lyons boss hoping experience counts in Final.
Hazelhurst 1-2 Hetton Lyons CC
The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup
Semi-Final
2pm, Sunday 21 March
Gander Green Lane, Sutton United FC
Winning clubs receive £1000, losers receive £300
Click here for results
Hetton Lyons remain on course for a record breaking FA Sunday Cup victory, after sealing their place in The Final this weekend.
The Durham outfit, winners of the competition in 2006 and 2008, will now be looking to become the first team to lift The Cup for a third time when they play Magnet Tavern at Anfield in May.
Manager Bradley Groves, whose squad still contains a number of players from the previous two victories, is now hoping that their experience can count when they come face-to-face with Boston-based Magnet.
"It's a major thing for any amateur footballer to go and play at Anfield,” Groves told TheFA.com after their 2-1 win.
"We know that whoever we play, it's going to be tough and that will be the case against Magnet Tavern.”
The Lyons showed their character on Sunday too, after coming from behind to win the game at Sutton United. Mark McGibbon had put Hazelhurst ahead in the first half, but Hetton were back level through Chris Emms’ long range strike before the break.
With extra time looking likely, Hetton substitute Chris Lawther broke through in the dying minutes to smash home and seal a jubiliant journey back home to the north-east.
Now, preparations will begin for Hetton’s latest jaunt to Merseyside and what Groves admits is their main ambition for the season.
"It's the third time we've been there in five years, so it's an incredible achievement,” he added.
“It'll be a great day and the best team will win on the day but it's a massive thing for us, and it's what we set our season on.
"It's a major occasion for the club.”
