UP NEXT, the Long Eaton Sunday League team go in search of glory as they make the short trip to Eastwood CFC’s Coronation Park to face Long Eaton Magpies in the semi-final of the Junior Cup.

Kimberley approach the match with just two matches this year under their belts, having had several postponed due to bad weather.

Their run in the junior cup so far has seen them receive a bye in the first round. The second round saw Stanton Ilkeston Colts visit The Stag Ground. A comprehensive 6-0 win saw two goals each for Sam Meakin, Jordan Sharpe and Connor Wrenn. The quarter-final was played at Basford United against Allenton United. Goals from Liam Garner, Alex Neilson, Tom Scott and two each for Josh Hamilton and Alex King wrapped up a 7-0 win and passage to today’s semi-final at Eastwood.

Long Eaton Magpies come into the match in great form, having been able to play five times since the turn of the year, winning all but one of those matches.

Magpies’ run to the semi-final saw them smash West Hallam 6-1 in the first round, with goals from Rhys Penny, Joe Penny, Chris Turner, Josh Coy, Ed Chetwynd and Carl Turgoose. Round two went down as a win for Magpies as the opposition could not field a team. The quarter-final was a closely fought affair against Inham Celtic at West Park. Goals from Oliver Jasper, Rhys Penny, Matt Taylor and Ed Chetwynd sealed a narrow 4-3 win to take them into the semi-final.

Kimberley’s last match was an 11-1 away mauling at the hands of Premier Division Spanish Bar in the Harry Chilton Trophy. Finn Whyte grabbed Kimberley’s only goal of the game.

Long Eaton Magpies’ last match was also against Spanish Bar in the Harry Chilton Trophy. Magpies fared a lot better, losing just 3-1 to the Premier Division outfit. Ed Chetwynd again on the scoresheet for Magpies.

LAST TIME AROUND

This evening’s match will be the first meeting between the two sides.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

Long Eaton Magpies were formed in 2007 and have been members of the Long Eaton Sunday League ever since, making them one of the longest serving clubs in the league.

Having progressed right the way up to the Premier Division and back downwards, they currently compete in Division Two and sit in second spot at time of this article.

Magpies have reached many cup finals over the years, from Long Eaton Sunday League to County Cup. Unfortunately, they have been runners up on every occasion so far, something they will be keen to take a step further as soon as possible.

FINALLY

Both sides will know that a cup final on Ilkeston Town’s Microlise New Manor Ground is up for grabs and we will expect an energetic and competitive match tonight. Please get along and support the boys. Entry is FREE and the bar will be open.