Horndean boss Michael Birmingham sticking to promise and staying loyal to under-18s for Baffins Milton Rovers delayed semi-final

Michael Birmingham is sticking with his promise and fielding Horndean's under-18 side for their delayed Portsmouth Senior Cup semi-final at Baffins Milton Rovers tomorrow night.
Horndean boss Michael BirminghamHorndean boss Michael Birmingham
Horndean boss Michael Birmingham

The Deans boss handed the youngsters a chance in the competition to reach this stage last term and is going that way again in the last four tie that is still outstanding.

Horndean have not played a competitive fixture since a 1-0 Wessex League Premier Division win at Amesbury on November 3 following the 'non-elite' football suspension.

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But boss Birmingham insisted he was not tempted to provide his first-team players with a run-out before a return to league action at Hamble Club on Saturday.

Instead, the Deans manager will stay loyal to his under-18s that took the club to this stage last season.

Although admitting Baffins already have a foot in the final, Birmingham - who will be in the dugout alongside youth team managers Jason Harris and Neil Perkins - is intrigued to see how they stand up to the tough task.

‘I’m going to play all my under-18s. I made a promise to them and I keep my promises,’ revealed Birmingham.

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‘Baffins know they’re already in the final. They’re expecting a stroll in the park, we know it’s going to be a tough game.

‘These under-18s deserve a go so why not say, ‘it’s the Pompey Senior Cup, there’s no pressure on you, we all know Baffins are already in the final so go and enjoy yourselves.'

‘As far as I’m concerned Hamble Club on Saturday is far more important than what Baffins is on a Wednesday.

‘The boys might go their and they might get taught a lesson in how to move the ball quickly, in physicality and how to see the pictures quicker.‘But, you know what, they will give everything for Horndean Football Club and they will leave everything out on that pitch.

‘I’m immensely proud of what my under-18s have done and no matter what happens (at Baffins), I will still be immensely proud of them.’

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