‘Loyal players deserve success’ - Whaley gunning for cup glory at March Town United
MANAGER Brett Whaley admits he is desperate to reward the loyalty of his key players by leading March Town United to their first trophy in decades.
The Hares take on promotion-chasing Godmanchester Rovers in the semi-final of the Ridgeons First Division Knockout Cup on Wednesday.
And for long-serving stars Luke Pepper, Ash Brand and Marc Welcher, who all live in March, it will be a rare chance for silverware.
Whaley said: “If we could get to the final, I would be delighted for the likes of Ash, Pep and Welch. They could all have moved on but they’ve decided to stick with this club.
“At a time when there’s not a lot of loyalty in football, they have shown incredible loyalty to March. They deserve some success.”
March’s last appearance in a final was in the Cambs Invitation Cup in 1991. Their last trophy was the Ridgeons Premier Division title in 1987/88.
Whaley said: “It’s a massive game for March and it’s a big opportunity.
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“We would love to get some silverware and use that as a spring board to take the club forward.”
Histon ‘keeper Jack Hayden deputised for the missing Aaron Butcher on Saturday as March ended their run of four Ridgeons First Division defeats.
Hares skipper Pepper nodded home a first-half corner to give his side a 1-0 victory over Long Melford at the GER.
Whaley said: “We’ve got the win and that was the key thing because football is as much in the head as it is on the pitch.
“It didn’t matter whether it was a scrappy 1-0 or a 10-0 win, it was just important to end that losing run.
“I’m really chuffed with them because confidence was low.”
Wednesday’s semi-final trip to Godmanchester kicks off at 7.45pm.
• MARCH Town United Reserves made it three games without defeat by winning their bottom-of-the-table clash with Cottenham United Reserves on Saturday.
Vinny Edwards and Jermaine Watson gave the Hares’ second string a 2-1 win.
