CRANE Sports can become the second Metaltec SIL club in two years to win the Touchline Sports Suffolk Senior Cup when they take on Beccles Town in the final at Portman Road tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Elvin King

CRANE Sports can become the second Metaltec SIL club in two years to win the Touchline Sports Suffolk Senior Cup when they take on Beccles Town in the final at Portman Road tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Before Grundisburgh beat Hadleigh United 3-2 a year ago, no SIL side had won this coveted trophy since 2000.

Crane were last winners in 1984, and chairman Steve Roper says that any victory against their Anglian Combination Premier Division opponents would be dedicated to club secretary Andy Pearce.

“These days it is more difficult to survive financially in local football,” said Roper.

“Clubs like ours have to rely on local businesses for sponsorship and in-house fundraising and smart housekeeping.

“Crane stalwart Andy Pearce deserves a lot of credit, having been secretary for 10 years. He commits lots of his spare time to the club.

“People like him, who have their heart and soul in the club, are a rarity these days.”

Roper has been involved with Crane for six years, and he added: “This season has been our best in that time.

“We have made it to Portman Road, we are in the semi-final of the Omnico Cup and have been in the top four in the league all season.

“We have won nothing yet so remain with our feet firmly on the ground.

“Beccles will be a tough encounter for us. I have watched them and they have some talented individuals and are well organised.

“But it will depend on who performs best tonight. But if we play to our full potential I am confident we can lift the trophy.”

Beccles Town are not enjoying the best of seasons, sitting in the bottom half of the Anglian Combination Premier Division table.

It is Beccles' first Suffolk Senior Cup final since 1922.