WHISPER it, but Richie Maddock is quietly confident Rudheath can be the first Cheshire League team to compete in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup final for more than a decade.

If he can engineer a semi-final win over Capenhurst Villa tonight, Wednesday, his side will be the first team from their league to play in the competition’s showpiece since Barnton lifted the trophy in 2004.

Already enjoying their best run in the competition, Rudheath face the West Cheshire League outfit at Runcorn Linnets’ ground, kick off 7.15pm.

“It would be pretty special to get there,” said Maddock, who only took charge at Griffiths Park following Steve Lloyd’s departure shortly before Christmas.

“To get to the semi-final stage is already a great achievement, not many mid-Cheshire clubs get this far. It’s my first experience of it as a manager.

“I was thrown in at the deep end a little bit. I could’ve gone to Eccleshall (with Lloyd) but I thought I’d stick it out and my first game was the quarter final.

“Hopefully we can deliver another game plan; I’m quietly confident.”

Social faced familiar opposition in that quarter-final, secured after extra time, in league rivals Styal.

Maddock expects an immaculate surface at Millbank Linnets Stadium; something he says will suit his side.

He added: “Three quarters of the squad have played at a higher level or have aspirations to play at a higher level.

"The pitch will be in quality condition, and it’s big. It'll suit our game as when we’re on song we’re a good passing side.

“Wednesday night under the lights with a few people watching; we’ve had that before playing 1874 Northwich this season and Vics last year on quality pitches.

“We came up short in both those games, but that experience will hopefully serve us well.”