Cup final is looming up fast for Fairford FC (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cup final is looming up fast for Fairford FC

FAIRFORD Town are set to do battle with Hellenic League rivals Yate Town in next Tuesday evening's final of the Glo'shire Senior Trophy being played at the GFA headquarters - Oaklands Park in Amondsbury (7.30pm ko).

The Cinder Lane team last won this competition five years ago under the then manager, Denzil Brisland, when the current team supremo, Mark Webb, was player-coach.

"We defeated Glo'shire County League side Patchway by a goal to nil," Webb recalls.

This time around, though, Fairford go as the underdogs against their Premier Division rivals who are also serious contenders for promotion.

With champions North Leigh missing out on elevation to the higher ranks due to not having suitable facilities, the Bristol outfit could return to the Dr Martens League if they win their final two league fixtures and finish second in the table.

After a spate of recent injuries, Webb is still undecided on his squad for next Tuesday's cup-tie, although his final selection may well include one or two reserves who have made a significant contribution of late.

But judging by their league form against Yate this season, Fairford certainly won't be overawed by their rivals on the night.

For after holding the Bristol team to a draw at Lodge Road, Fairford lost the return match by a solitary goal due to an inability to put away one of a number of chances to score.

As well as having one eye on promotion, Yate have to return to the Almondsbury Town ground on Saturday, May 10, to face Shortwood United in the final of the Cherry Red Records Challenge.

With a cup final looming up fast, Lee Stoddart couldn't have found a better time to recapture his old scoring touch.

For Stoddart's glorious hat-trick ensured that Fairford took all three league points at Didcot on Thursday evening of last week.

Goals in the 21st, 29th and 55th minutes gave a 3-0 win, moving his side up to fifth in the table.

With a serious chance of silverware on offer, Webb is not likely to take too many chances in his team's last league game of the season away to Hook Norton on Saturday.

Whatever happens there, Webb's dream of at least a sixth place finish will be realised while hopes of a trophy is down to his team on the night.