IT WAS mission achieved so far as Suffolk manager Andy Gould was concerned after steering his side to a second successive FA County Youth Cup final.Gould, who said before the match that revenge was not on his mind after losing to West Riding on penalties in last year's final, revealed that the game plan devised by assistant Alan Johnson and himself had worked a treat.

Nick Garnham

IT WAS mission achieved so far as Suffolk manager Andy Gould was concerned after steering his side to a second successive FA County Youth Cup final.

Gould, who said before the match that revenge was not on his mind after losing to West Riding on penalties in last year's final, revealed that the game plan devised by assistant Alan Johnson and himself had worked a treat.

“We had a game plan because we were aware that Paddy Miller was their main playmaker and we played with two holding midfield players so there was no room for him to play in and we nullified his threat.

“As a defensive unit we restricted them to one good scoring chance throughout the whole game and we were worthy winners. Miller ended up going deeper and deeper and we did not let them play.

“We have only conceded two goals in open play in seven games which is testament to the whole team, and as I have said before we have got goals in us, especially when you have players of the quality of Ben Seaman and Chris Henderson in the final third of the pitch.

“Richard Gammon did well and had a hand in both goals, and the second goal was worthy of securing a place in the final of the FA County Youth Cup.

“It is a fantastic achievement to reach the final for the third time in four years. I am absolutely elated for them.”

Gould, who preserved his record of having never lost a semi-final as a manager, added: “A semi-final is the cruellest place to lose. At least if you get to the final you get a day out and an occasion to remember.

“We know Cambridgeshire are a good side but we will look forward to facing them.”

Kirkley and Pakefield's Chris Henderson, whose wonderful 20-yard strike sealed Suffolk's victory, said: “I would not have done that again today if I had tried.

“It was hard to play in the wind, but it was one of those shots which I knew was going in as soon as I hit it.

“Without a doubt it is the best goal I have scored.”