Crane Sports boss Iain Radnor is looking forward to a weekend of football for his side with a little less expectation, writes Mike Bacon.

The Ipswich-based team travel to Thurlow Nunn One Ipswich Wanderers on Saturday in a Suffolk Senior Cup clash.

Wanderers play a Step higher than Cranes and that alone makes Wanderers favourites for the tie.

However, Cranes have been consistently a top side in the Suffolk Senior Division over the years. They are currently second in the table, and know on their day they are capable of an upset, despite no win in three.

“We are looking forward to playing Wanderers,” said Radnor.

“It’s a bit of a free hit for us I suppose. But we have had them watched and we are going there to win.

“They are a young side with plenty of energy and we will have to be somewhere near our best to get a result. But it’s a cup match and anything can happen.

And as regards those expectations?

“Well, yes, expectations are always high for us in the SIL on a weekly basis, whoever we play, so in some ways it will be nice this weekend there is not so much pressure on us.”

It’s the Senior Cup that takes centre stage for most SIL Senior Division clubs this weekend, with Grundisburgh having the chance to put their nightmare start to the season aside for one week at least.

They entertain Thurlow Nunn One Haverhill Borough at the Playing Field.

Trimley Red Devils will relish the chance to pit their wits against a Step 6 side, as they travel to Cornard United, while there are plenty of all-SIL ties.

Current SIL senior division leaders Capel Plough will want to put their defeat to Felixstowe Harpers last week behind them as they travel to Leiston St Margarets, while Achilles entertain Haughley and Henley and Bramford clash at the Community Centre.

Benhall and Westerfield are both at home – to Claydon and Cops respectively – in a competition SIL clubs have performed well in over recent years. Senior Cup holders, Woodbridge Town, who are now Step 5, are not in the competition this season.