Bacton United ‘89 are excited to be playing at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium in the Suffolk Junior Cup Final on Tuesday, but manager Ryan Owens insists that will count for little if they are beaten by Oulton Broad.

The Stowmarket-based team, who lifted the trophy at Portman Road in 2010, face the Lowestoft & District League side who won the competition in 2013.

Bacton are expected to be backed by a large proportion of the Suffolk village, while Owens and his squad are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.

“We are really excited,” said Owens.

“I made a few changes at the weekend for our final league game (3-0 defeat to Trimley Red Devils) to protect ourselves for Tuesday and it’s one of those occasions that from being eight or nine weeks away, is suddenly on our doorstep.

“We were waiting for Colchester to lose at the weekend (The game would have been held at Leiston had Colchester United made the play-offs), which is terrible I know, but playing there will count for nothing if we don’t win.

“I think the whole village watched us at Portman Road last time, over 1,000 people, and I know we have sold more scarves this time round.

“We have got the day planned, all the players have taken the day off and we have a coach booked. It’s a big occasion, but it’s not the sort of thing you remember at the end of your career if you lose. I would rather play at Leiston and win, than play there and lose.”

Owens admitted the team’s first choice would have been to play at Portman Road, the scene of their triumph over Sudbury Athletic six years ago, but is happy to be playing at the U’s home.

“We were all pretty disappointed when it was announced that the game would not be at Portman Road, as when you play your first game in the competition at the start of the season, that is the target, to win the cup there,” Owens added.

“For us, Colchester is a good alternative, a proper ground with a decent pitch. We are looking forward to it.

“We are not going into the game with any thoughts of being the favourites though. They (Oulton) have the pedigree – it’s their third final in five years – but it will be winner takes all on the day.”