ByJames Masters, James Masters
Hyde Park Rovers boss David Domb has urged his players to go out with a bang by finally getting their hands on some silverware.
Rovers face Republic of Mancunia 1st at Salford FC on Thursday night in the final of the Shonn Trophy with Domb’s men desperate to finish a frustrating season on a high.
The final represents Domb’s last and only chance of winning a trophy with his three-year spell in Leeds set to finish this summer.
And the 22-year-old student, who will return to London after his studies, says lifting the Shonn Trophy would be the perfect send off for those graduating from Leeds University at the end of the season.
“I’ve not won anything since I was 15, so I’m desperate to win this cup and I know the lads are too,” said Domb.
“How we’ve not won anything in the past few years is ridiculous because we’ve got such a great set of players.
“Most of the team will be leaving at the end of the season and it’s our last chance to win something.
“They really deserve to win something because although we’ve had a frustrating time in the league, our cup runs have been great.
“It would be great to go out on a high and the Shonn Trophy gives us that chance.”
Rovers will face a tough test by Republic, who are aiming to finish the season with a cup double with Crumpsall awaiting in next Thursday’s Tony Cohen Cup final.
Domb added: “We know it will be a difficult game and we know all about what they can do to hurt us.
“But it’s all about which Hyde Park Rovers team turns up, because that has been our problem this season.
“We’ve had some great performances like when we won against Shirley Park in the Morrison and then we’ve lost silly games like we did against Republic 2nd.
“If we turn up and play our best football then we’ll have a real chance.”