Fresh from bagging a dramatic late winner in Wednesday’s Pitching In Southern League Premier South play-off semi-final, Farnham Town’s Darryl Sanders is looking forward to locking horns with Gloucester City on Monday afternoon in the final.
Sanders stayed cool to convert an 83rd minute penalty to make it 2-1, for his 14th goal of the season.
“Wednesday’s semi-final against Berkhamsted was a really competitive game, as you’d expect at this stage,” he admitted to us. “We started on the front-foot and created a couple of good chances early on.
“Credit to Berkhamsted, though, because they settled into the game and from then on it became fairly even.
“As a team, it was about managing the key moments, which is something we’ve done really well all year, and that proved to be the case again.
“On a personal level, I’m pleased to have scored the winning goal and help give the club and its amazing fans a special occasion to look forward to on Monday.
“It’s going to be a massive game for everyone involved at the club. I’ve played in this kind of game before, so I know what to expect, and I’m sure it’ll be a great occasion.
“Finals are always tough, and we know we’ll be up against a strong side in Gloucester City. The home game against them in the league finished 3–3, so it’s set up to be an exciting and competitive final.
“We’re a confident squad with a lot of quality, and we’re used to winning games, so we’ll be going into it believing we can get the job done.
“Home advantage and our fans are massive for us. It’s incredible to see and hear them at the Memorial Ground, and in the big games they’ve always been outstanding in helping drive us on and get us over the line.
“I’m lucky to have built a great connection with them, both on and off the pitch, so we’ll be looking to do it for them as much as ourselves.”
We asked Sanders to assess the season as a whole.
“I think it’s been a really positive season overall,” he said. “As a team, it’s been very successful; we’ve got a great group of players and a strong dressing room, which has made it an enjoyable year so far.
“We’ve got the play-off final coming up, we’ve won the Surrey Cup, and we’ve had some really good games against National League opposition in the FA Cup, so there’s been a lot to be proud of.
“Personally, I feel like I’ve contributed well, with over 25 G/A’s, including some important goals and big moments. Hopefully there’s one more left in me on Monday!
“The standard of the division is only getting stronger, and it’s been a tough season for everyone involved. More teams are moving towards a more professional set-up, which is a really positive thing for non-league football.”
IMAGE: Farnham Town FC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER
