Sunday afternoon sees the second of the Mickleover RBL teams in action at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium. After missing out last season, manager Paul Gray will see this as a chance of redemption, following a poor performance last time at the Pirelli.

With nine matches still to play this season, the Lions have a 100% record in all competitions and will go into the final full of confidence. Having had great success last season, this RBL team will want to end their time in junior football with a league and cup double to take with them into mens football.

The team have also demonstrated their quality this season in that members have gone on to represent the club at senior level, with Conor Livingstone being part of the first team starting lineup who won the Derbyshire FA Divisional Cup South in March.

Ashby United make up the other half of the two most successful clubs over the last two seasons under 18’s division 1 of the Burton Junior League. With somewhat of a rivalry between the two teams, we can expect both quality and fireworks in abundance in the final this weekend.

RBL have had the upper hand so far this season, as they have taken six point from Ashby, through a 4-1 home victory, followed by an away walkover a week later with Ashby not being able to field a team. Being 1-0 down in the home fixture at half time, Goals from Millen Sheena, Lucas Norman, Luke Thompson and Richard Kayagila wrapped up the points in a game that saw an Ashby player receive his marching orders after two yellow cards.

THE ROAD TO THE FINAL

The cup run for RBL started in September, when they hosted Lakeside Whites at the legion. A straightforward game saw Luke Thompson bag a hat trick, which was accompanied by a goal from Lucas Norman to take them past a team who have now folded.

The Quarter final was another home match for the Lions as they hosted second division Hilton Harriers at the legion. Again, a straightforward match was exemplified by goals from Richard Kayagila, Kailem Smith and Luke Thompson in a 3-0 victory.

The Semi Final had RBL at home yet again as Woodville Rangers Blue visited the legion. Harry Banks, Fin Robinson and Luke Robinson scored in a 3-1 win to take the Lions to the final this weekend.

Ashby started their season with an away cup match against Lichfield Mercia Knights from division 2. A 13-0 demolition took them into the next round.

They received a walkover victory in the next round as Woodville Black were unable to field a team.

The quarter final was also a walkover victory as Marlborough Rovers failed to field a team.

The semi final was at home against our very own Mickleover RBL under 17’s. A very close match saw Ashby bully their way into the final as two goals from Ben Stevens were answered by Christian Mountain for RBL Panthers, who will feel very unlucky not to be in the final themselves against their older opponents.

ONTO THE FINAL

Both teams will be giving everything to lift the trophy this weekend as they continue in their search for silverware. Please come along and support the team in what is sure to be an exciting match.

Entry is £3 at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium

See you there