RUDHEATH do not feel pressure at being the first team from their league to reach a Cheshire FA Amateur Cup final in more than a decade, says boss Richie Maddock.

The Northwich outfit face three-time winners West Kirby, from the West Cheshire League, at Vauxhall Motors on Friday, kick off 7.15pm.

Barnton were the Cheshire League side to most recently lift the trophy in 2004, but Social have earned a chance to match that feat.

And Maddock insists any expectation should rest only on his shoulders.

“We can’t put extra demands on ourselves because nobody expected us to get to this far,” he said.

“The only pressure is to deliver a game-plan; if the players don’t do that, then it’s my fault.”

He has picked the team at Griffiths Park since the departure of Steve Lloyd to Eccleshall, with Friday’s showpiece marking a season highlight for a club that only played in the Cheshire League’s top flight for the first time last season.

They occupy 12th place in the Premier Division following a 2-2 draw at Billinge on Monday.

“We have come a long way in a short space of time,” added Maddock.

“For me, to go from taking training to being a manager of the same players in a final will be quite surreal.

“It’s a prestigious competition for clubs at our level and a massive occasion, especially with the year we’ve had in the league.

“With the change of personnel it’s been difficult, so it’s been good to focus on a special night.

“I’ve had a lot of support from Steve and Mike Alcock since they left [for Eccleshall] and lots of good luck wishes. It’s great to know people are rooting for us.

“There will be plenty of spectators, friends and family there to support us as well.

“Hopefully by 9pm on Friday we’ll have risen to the challenge and have our hands on the trophy.”

The Northwich outfit can feel confident after despatching Capenhurst Villa, West Kirby’s league rivals, in the last four.

They have also beaten Styal and Dukinfield Town, both after extra time and a even penalty shoot-out in the latter’s case, en route to the final.

A 4-0 win at Grappenhall started their journey in October.

“We absolutely wiped the floor with Capenhurst in the semi final,” added Maddock.

“The lads were buzzing after winning in the way they did.

“We’ve got to repeat that in the final.”

 

Route to the final

Rudheath

SF Capenhurst Villa (n) 4-1

QF Styal (a) 2-1 (aet)

Last 16 Dukinfield Town (h) 5-5 (aet, Rudheath win 4-3 on pens)

R2 Grappenhall Sports (a) 4-0

 

Route to the final

West Kirby

SF Broadheath Central (n) 2-1

QF Newton (a) 2-2 (aet, West Kirby won 6-5 on pens)

Last 16 High Lane (h) 4-0

R2 Stockport Georgians (h) 4-2