BURY Town, Lowestoft Town and Suffolk FA have taken the unprecedented step of issuing a joint statement to supporters ahead of Thursday’s LB Group Suffolk Premier Cup final.

Holders Bury face fellow Ryman League Premier Division side Lowestoft Town in the final at Portman Road, kick-off 7pm.

The statement has been issued after last season’s final, which saw Bury Town defeat Needham Market 2-0, was marred by some abusive language from Bury Town fans, who also subjected Lowestoft goalkeeper Andy Reynolds to personal verbal abuse when the two sides met at Ram Meadow in the Ryman League Cup semi-final earlier this season.

Bury Town chairman Russell Ward subsequently apologised to his Lowestoft counterpart Gary Keyzor and Reynolds after the match in February.

Anxious to avoid a repeat spoiling the showpiece occasion, Ward, Keyzor and Phil Knight, chief executive of Suffolk FA, today released the following statement:

“On Thursday, 10th May, Lowestoft Town and Bury Town will contest the 2012 Suffolk FA Premier Cup Final at Portman Road. With two of the county’s most successful teams on show under the lights at Ipswich Town, this much anticipated fixture has the potential to be one of the most memorable cup finals in the competition’s history.

“Whilst the rivalry between the clubs is fierce and competitive, it is also respectful and measured and for all the effort that will be put into securing victory in the Premier Cup Final, both clubs are determined to provide a spectacle worthy of the county’s showcase occasion.

“As such, Suffolk FA, Lowestoft Town FC and Bury Town FC request that supporters play their own part in making this year’s Premier Cup Final an occasion to savour not just for the action on the field of play but also for the atmosphere in the Portman Road stand. Robust vocal support is encouraged and welcomed, but supporters are asked to refrain from any activity that may bring disrepute or embarrassment to either club, Ipswich Town or the competition.

“Lowestoft Town FC and Bury Town FC are proud to be contesting the 2012 Suffolk FA Premier Cup Final and look forward to an occasion that demonstrates all that is good about football in the county.”