CHRIS Keogh hopes Sutton Coldfield Town’s history-making Birmingham Senior Cup run will prepare them for two ‘‘cup finals’’ which will decide their play-off dreams.
The Royals are already guaranteed an end-of-season final against Nuneaton Town – most likely at Nuneaton on May 7 – after reaching the county cup final for the first time in their history.
But Sutton will secure their play-off place in the Evo-Stik Division One South with two wins from their final two fixtures – at home to relegated Spalding tomorrow and than against neighbours Romulus on Easter Monday.
“Our fate is in our own hands and they are going to be two big games,” said boss Keogh. “Most of the lads have not been in this position before but playing in a cup semi-final has given them an idea of what to expect. It’s all about belief and character.”
The Royals, in fifth place on goal difference from Brigg Town, will await a fitness check on Matt Jackson (hamstring) and Mark Bellingham (hamstring), while Craig Milligan is suspended.
n Rushall Olympic have been urged to seize their chance and secure their place in the play-offs tomorrow.
The Pics’ midweek win against Lincoln United lifted them to third and if they can rattle up a ninth league win in 11 matches tomorrow when they head to Loughborough Dynamo then they cannot be caught in the play-off race.
A win tomorrow and on Monday against Quorn would guarantee third place and a home tie in the play-off semi-final.
Manager Neil Kitching said: “The momentum is with us at the moment and we want to keep it going. At the moment, we’ve got into a great habit of winning.”
Defender Adie Smith, however, will play no further part in Rushall’s campaign after learning he will need surgery on his fractured cheekbone.
Gary Fitzpatrick is available after being away for a week.
n Romulus will be without Luke Paskin for their final two matches of the season.
The defender hurt his hip in the midweek win against Rainworth which ended an eight-match winless run and secured a top-ten finish.
Also ruled out for tomorrow’s trip to Sheffield FC and then Monday’s crunch derby against Sutton Coldfield Town is midfielder Peter Faulds (ankle).
Marvin Johnson and Richard Robinson are both available for the Roms, but Marcus Brown is still a fitness doubt.
