As 2024 draws to a close, the Yellaphants head out onto the pitch for the last time this calendar year facing Brecklands in the quarter finals of the Pease Cup. Both teams will be looking to cement themselves a place in the semi finals where Hockering reserves await.

Our Squad

After last weeks emphatic win with a depleted squad the gaffer is delighted to not have to squeeze into a kit again this week with a few players returning for selection, strengthening the squad this week. Cullum steps back onto the side lines after his goal last weekend, Luke Hall is also unavailable after last weeks goal and assist with festive family commitments ruling him out of contention. Jake Reeves, Ethen Daynes and Jack Barber are all still unavailable and club captain Danny Bonura remains out with his knee injury, which an MRI scan has revealed a tear which could potentially keep him out for the rest of the season. Tom Quinton, Ceyhan Enver and Daniel Duchossoir all return to action this week and we see Jack Soffe and Robbie Ashwell retain their places in the squad after two very impressive performances from the teenagers.

Our Opposition

This weekend we face Brecklands who currently sit sixth in division three, one place below Eaton Wanderers. They have played ten games, two more than us, winning four, drawing two and loosing four. Scoring 25 goals (2.5 a game) and conceding 27 goals (2.7 a game), they find themselves sitting comfortably in mid table, safe from relegation but probably a little bit too far behind the leading pack to make an impact on the title chase. This being said they have picked up a few good results this season which means on their day they are capable of causing anyone in that league problems. A young and hungry side will be looking to upset the Yellaphants in what will be a closely contested game played up the FDC, Bowthorpe.

Gaffers Word

"I cant think of anything better than winning our last game of 2024 to secure a semi final spot and end a great year with a huge win. Its not going to be an easy game today, so we need to turn up and play in the same way we have against higher opposition this season where for large parts of games we have played them off the pitch. This season's squad is the best I have had at my disposal since we started the club years ago and today they have a chance to put themselves in the history books, knocking Brecklands out and making only our second ever semi!"