IAN Watson may be coming up to 40 but his footballing life is not diminishing.The defender recently played a full 90 minutes six times in nine days culminating in leading the national Customs and Revenue side to the final of the Civil Service Cup.

Elvin King

IAN Watson may be coming up to 40 but his footballing life is not diminishing.

The defender recently played a full 90 minutes six times in nine days culminating in leading the national Customs and Revenue side to the final of the Civil Service Cup.

Watson, who moved from Melton St Audry's to Felixstowe United two months ago, will now lead his RCSL A (formerly Customs and Excise) side against RCSL B (formerly Inland Revenue) at Nene Park, Rushden and Diamonds on Tuesday, May 12.

Last week RCSL A beat Merseyside Civil Service 4-2 at Lilleshall in the semi-final with Watson named man of the match.

“I have won this trophy once before - in 1995,” said Watson. “And have been playing in it for over 20 years,”

During that time he has played against French Customs a number of times in top stadiums in Paris and will be staying in the Hilton hotel, Northampton prior to the final at Rushden.

“I did start to feel a bit tired after my marathon stint of games, but that is just how they fell with a match for Sunday side Felixstowe Harpers included in there somewhere,” added Watson, who was joined by two other local players for the semi-final at Lilleshall.

Capel Plough's Jamie Sandilands scored within 30 seconds while Stowupland Falcons' Kevin Holland made one exceptional save in goal. Holland's work commitments have restricted his club football and he has been playing on the pitch for the Falcons' Reserves.