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Damian Hilton on his Long Stratton side facing his former club Norwich United in the Ashtons Legal Norfolk Senior Cup




Damian Hilton says it will be a ‘mammoth task’ for his Long Stratton side when they face his former club Norwich United in the Ashtons Legal Norfolk Senior Cup next week.

The Reds pulled off a memorable win at higher-league Fakenham Town in the last round, winning 5-4 on penalties following a 5-5 thriller after 90 minutes.

It marked the first time Stratton have beaten a Step 5 side in a competitive game – and the Fosters Solicitors Anglian Combination Premier Division outfit have been handed another opponent two leagues above them in the third round.

Long Stratton joint manager Damian Hilton Picture: Mark Bullimore
Long Stratton joint manager Damian Hilton Picture: Mark Bullimore

A trip to United on Tuesday (7.45pm) will see Stratton’s joint boss Hilton return to the dugouts at Plantation Park for the first time since leaving as manager in 2016, having guided the Planters to their first ever Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division title in a league and cup double in the 2014/15 season.

“I think it’s a nice tie for the club in terms of testing themselves against one of the best sides in that level,” Hilton said. “I haven’t been back since I left so it will be a nice little trip for me as well.

“It will bring back some memories and to see people I haven’t seen that are there. It will be good to see everyone.

“I think everyone’s really looking forward to it. It’s nice to go and play at these grounds and go up against better opposition and test yourself.

“I think a little bit of pressure is off us, just like it was at Fakenham really.

“We’re not naive. We know that if we don’t work hard and play well then we could be on the end of a solid beating.

“If we do get things right and work in the right way and the attitude’s right and make good decisions, then we can also go there and give a good account of ourselves.

“It’s going to be a mammoth task. Certainly the Fakenham game was difficult, but this is even more difficult.

“The boys are under no illusions what’s ahead, but they’re definitely all looking forward to it.”

On Saturday, Stratton twice fought back from a goal behind to draw 2-2 at home with Waveney.

An own goal and a Kieran Smith header ensured the points were shared at Manor Road, a result which leaves the Reds sitting 10th in the Premier Division table.

“It was probably as you would expect, the weather played a massive part,” Hilton said.

“We wanted to play as we’ve had a break for Christmas. It was a bit scrappy.

“Waveney are a good side and we took a point in the end which was probably a fair result.

“We’ve been in fairly good form of late. I think we’ve had one defeat out of the last nine, so things are starting to come together.”

Long Stratton Women’s third round tie in the Harrod Sport Norfolk Women’s Cup on Sunday, at home to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The tie has been rescheduled for this Sunday (1.30pm).



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