West Riding v Suffolk
The FA County Youth Cup
The Final
3pm, Saturday 28 April 2007
Bradford City FC

West Riding manager John Riordan is looking forward to the FA County Youth Cup Final on Saturday, and is confident that his side will be difficult to beat as they look for their first triumph in 13 years.

They face a tough test however, as Suffolk have a good recent pedigree in the competition having lifted the trophy two years ago. But Riordan is unmoved.

"I think the best thing about us is that we have been difficult to beat. We are strong at the back. My philosophy is 'if they don't score, they don't win'.

"I always build teams from the back. Sean Airey knows how we want to play. He's been a rock at the back. We have been difficult to score against and don't give the opposition many chances. We have a tremendous team spirit too. We fight for one another. But we try and do it the right way. We are strong on discipline.

"We have scored goals too, but what's pleasing is that they have come from so many different places. We are not reliant on one person. I don't care where the goals from just as long as we get more than the opposition. I don't believe your striker needs to score as long as you win."

Riordan is also pleased by the balance of his side, saying: "We have a nice balance of players. We have left footers, right footers and players who can create things in the middle.

"We went to see Suffolk when they beat Surrey at Woking in the Semi-Final. They are an organised side and we will have to keep an eye on one or two of their players. But it's difficult to know what to expect as we only saw them once. But anyone who gets to a final will be tough. I am the eternal optimist though. We have a good side and it will take another good side to beat us on our day.

"For the lads it would be an excellent achievement. There are only eleven cup competitions run by The FA and many professionals do not get a sniff of a winner's medal, so it would be something to remember for the rest of their lives if they win. It would be a great reward for the county too and for the council members who support us. Everyone likes success."