Ipswich Valley Rangers facing ten cup finals
Paul Hadley, who says Ipswich Valley Rangers face ten cup finals between now and the end of the season
DEFENDING champions Ipswich Valley Rangers face ten cup finals in the Touchline SIL Senior Division between now and the end of the season.
That’s the view of joint manager Paul Hadley, who runs the side with Barry Parker and Paul Tietjen that won the title under the guise of Woodbridge Athletic last season.
IVR took advantage of Felixstowe United’s involvement in the Bob Coleman Cup last Saturday to take over top spot thanks to a 5-0 victory over Stanton.
They lead Felixstowe by one point, with tomorrow’s opponents Achilles in third place two points behind and having played a game more.
And while acknowledging tomorrow’s match is a big game, Hadley said every one of their remaining games will be similar to a cup final.
Hadley said: “Achilles have been on a fantastic run. Their manager Lee Osborn, who is a good friend of mine, has done very well there.
“It is a big game on Saturday, but we have found every game has been a big game this season. As the champions everyone wants to beat you.
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“The next ten games are all going to be cup finals, whoever we are playing, and it will be the same for Achilles, Felixstowe United and Wickham Market.
“There will be swings and roundabouts between now and the end of the season. There are midweek games coming up in April for all clubs, and that could have a bearing on the outcome.
“We have got four midweek matches in April and we have sent out texts to all our players to try to ensure they are all available.
“We are looking forward to the run-in. It is very tight this season and it makes it interesting for everybody.
“We will take each game as it comes, and would like to think our experience from last year will help us.
“We were top early on in the season and then hit a bad patch and Achilles deservedly beat us at Salmet Close, but hopefully the result will be reversed on Saturday and come half-past-four, quarter-to-five we will have the three points.”
Ipswich Valley Rangers have been chosen to feature in a forthcoming issue of Football Focus magazine.
“It is fantastic for the club, who only formed six years ago and now have about 26 teams who are having a successful season across all age groups,” said Hadley.
