LEISTON St Margarets - overshadowed by Ridgeons League Leiston this season - have made their own cup statement.And they are looking to 'outdo' their neighbours by playing at Portman Road this season.

Elvin King

LEISTON St Margarets - overshadowed by Ridgeons League Leiston this season - have made their own cup statement.

And they are looking to 'outdo' their neighbours by playing at Portman Road this season.

While Leiston went out of the Suffolk Premier Cup to Ipswich Town in midweek to end their hopes of a Portman Road appearance next May, Saints did their own giantkilling with a Suffolk Senior Cup victory over Ridgeons League Stowmarket Town last weekend.

Metaltec SIL St Margarets, who are managed by Neil Cole, play Lakenheath in the quarter-finals on January 3 - just two wins away from a final appearance at Portman Road.

“Yes, I have to admit that we are thinking about Portman Road but there is a long way to go,” said secretary John Barker.

“We have spoken to a few people who watched Lakenheath's win over Debenham Leisure Centre in the Senior Cup last round and know what to expect.

“It appears that Debenham may have eased off a bit after being three goals ahead.

“This will not happen to us as it was the attitude of Neil's side that got them through against a Stowmarket side that had control of the opening half.”

Leiston won national acclaim and glory in the FA Cup, and are poised to enjoy a lengthy run in the FA Vase, and Saints stalwart Barker applauds their success.

He said: “I contacted Leiston chairman Andy Crisp after every cup success they enjoyed and they have done really well.

“We have a good relationship with them and wish them well in the Vase and the league.”

St Margarets enjoyed a successful 2007/08, eventually finishing sixth after being in contention for most of the campaign to win the SIL title.

They return to league action tomorrow with a visit from Capel Plough, another SIL side that beat Ridgeons League opposition last weekend.

“We are a better team that last season but have had trouble putting the ball into the net,” added Barker.

“We will give Capel a game, there is no doubt about that, as the lads always work hard with keeper Ben Vincent having his best season.

“We were sweeping lines during the game last week, but after a heavy snow storm in extra time the pitch cut up badly and it can't take much more rain before tomorrow afternoon.”