Shotley Rose boss selection dilemma ahead of cup final

By Derek Davis

23rd Apr 2022 | Football


Shotley Rose player manager Ryan Scutcher pointing the way (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)
Shotley Rose player manager Ryan Scutcher pointing the way (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)

After struggling to get a team together for much of their league campaign Shotley Rose boss Ryan Scutcher is spoiled for choice ahead of tomorrow's Junior Cup final against AFC Claydon.

Scutcher is only allowed to name 16 players in his squad, but has 17 available, meaning someone will miss out.

He said: "We have too many available and I have had to ask for a volunteer to step down, and a couple have agreed, so I will have to make that decision today."

This is stark contrast to many Sunday morning games this season when, for variety of reasons, The Rose have not been able to field a full side, resulting in some heavy defeats, including a 5-0 defeat by Taverners last week with only 10 men, and the club has been docked at least 12 points already, leaving them with just four to show for the campaign.

However, as they have shown more than once, not least in their semi-final victory, on their day The Rose can turn on the style.

Tommy Smith celebrates goal in semi-final (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)

Scutcher said: "It has been difficult but we have kept a decent squad together for the cup run and we have a few lads that play senior football on Saturdays.

"Tommy (Smith) is on the verge of playing semi-pro so we a good group of players that just enjoying playing with each other as mates as we know each other from around the peninsula."

Smith, who bagged a brace in the semi-final, is knocking on the door of Isthmian League Division North play-off side Felixstowe & Walton United 's first team after impressing in their Under-18s this season.

Shotley Rose on the attack against Gainsbrough (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)

Even fully manned, Scutcher knows the Ipswich Sunday Football League Division Two Shotley Rose face a difficult cup final with AFC Claydon chasing a treble after going six months without defeat.

Although they play in Division Three, AFC Claydon have lost just one of their 18 league games this season and have been promoted as champions. They are also in the Suffolk Sunday Trophy and take on Bacton next week, May 1.

Scutcher said: "We know we are in for a tough game but with the squad we have we are capable of beating most teams.

"On our day we can put up good fight against anyone."

Cup semi final action (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)

The Rose were well supported in their semi-final win against Gainsborough and Scutcher is hoping there will be big turn out again.

"We have a lot of big families with players in the squad, like the Pughs, Adams, Scutchers and quite a few old Shotley boys have said they are coming.

"Hopefully we can celebrate with a win.

"Off the pitch we have people like Zoe Smith who has been a star helping out in the background with stuff others don't see, but she has been a great support."

The Rose's cup final kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) at 10:45am at the Whitton Sports Centre (Pitch B).

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