Stacey Lawrence targets Mummery Cup victory in final sign off before stepping down as East Harling manager
Stacey Lawrence is hoping to sign off after nine years in charge of East Harling with a victory in the Mummery Cup final next week.
The Greens take on league rivals Wroxham Reserves in the decider of the Fosters Solicitors Anglian Combination-exclusive competition, with the final being held at The FDC, in Norwich, on Wednesday (7.30pm).
It has already been a season to remember for Harling, who have earlier this week clinched a second-place finish in their first-ever campaign in the Premier Division.
Lawrence’s men are now bidding to win the club’s first Mummery Cup title in their history, and with it a perfect send off for their long-serving manager.
“We’ve never won the Mummery Cup and I think the last time the club’s won a senior competition was in the 60s, so it’s a big carrot there for us and hopefully we’re going in full of confidence,” boss Lawrence said.
“After nine years it’s a good way to part pretty much on top, not at the very top and fair play to Dussindale (league champions), but at the top of the expectations anyone dreamed of definitely.
“It would be fantastic (to win the cup). We’ve finished runners-up in six competitions in the nine years I’ve been here, so it would be fantastic to go out with that.”
Ahead of Wednesday’s final, Harling finish their Premier Division fixtures with a trip to Long Stratton tomorrow (2.30pm).
The Greens head into the league finale in a fine run of form, having recorded victories over Norwich CEYMS (1-0 at home on Saturday) and Mattishall (5-0 away on Monday) over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“We had Norwich CEYMS on Saturday and they’ve given us probably our toughest two games this season,” Lawrence said.
“Young Alfie Sandon, 16-years-old, got the only goal and Wroxham slipped up, which meant we just needed to get a win on Monday to finish second.”
Goals from Ian Fancett (two), Harley Durrant and Asa McGeachy helped wrap up a comfortable win at already-relegated Mattishall and secured a runners-up finish in the Premier Division.
Next week’s final will mark the end of Lawrence’s tenure in charge of the Greens, having taken over back in 2014 with the club in Division Two and masterminded two promotions.
“Everyone around the football club has been exceptional in my nine years here,” he said.
“I haven’t felt there is the want or the ambition from around the football club, not the football club, but those around it that share the land.
“For me personally I’m a person that gives absolutely everything.
“I looked at it and just thought if this is as high as we can go then what better way to go than finishing second in the league and being in a cup final.
“I’ve loved doing it, but I don’t feel I can give everything to a cause that has nowhere to go.
“I’ve spoken to the football club and it’s nothing to do with them. They share a part of council land with various clubs and we’re nowhere near the ground capabilities (to get promoted to Step 6).
“It’s a shame really, but I don’t think anyone ever expected us to get in the Premier Division, let alone finishing in a promotion place and not being able to do anything about it.
“I still love my football. Football’s in me and I hope to be back in football soon, what position and what club, who knows.”
Tickets for the Mummery Cup final can be purchased online here
Meanwhile, a victory for Stratton (8th) tomorrow would see them finish sixth in the Premier Division.
The Reds have put together a strong run to end the campaign and go into their last game having lost just one of their previous seven outings.
James Bemrose and Ryan Tebble found the target in a 2-0 win away at Aylsham on Saturday, while Stratton played out a 0-0 draw at home to Scole United on Wednesday evening.
The stalemate at Manor Road was Scole’s last outing of the 2022/23 season, with United having also drawn 0-0 away at Wroxham on Saturday.
Marc Pearce’s men are currently in sixth spot in the table.