Cup wish granted

Wroxham manger Damian Hilton got his wish last Friday night when the Yachtsmen's name came out of the hat first to ensure a Norfolk Senior Cup semi-final at home to Norwich United.

Wroxham manger Damian Hilton got his wish last Friday night when the Yachtsmen's name came out of the hat first to ensure a Norfolk Senior Cup semi-final at home to Norwich United.

This cup derby will probably be played on Friday evening, February 1, providing both teams agree to the switch to an evening kick-off in order to attract a larger crowd.

“Before the draw I said I did not mind who our opponents were in the last four providing the game was at home,” said Hilton. “I concede that Norwich United are a much improved squad and they proved that in the league by beating Dereham Town last Saturday.”

One Yachtsman who will be keen to return to the line-up before this vital cup game will be last season's leading goalscorer Lee Gilman.

Since a lengthy suspension and a debilitating bout of influenza Gillman has not produced quite the devastating form that was a major boost to Wroxham's Ridgeons championship drive last season.

His understandable frustration has often boiled over into visible truculence incurring disapproval of the men in black.

Now, following heart-to-heart discussions with Wroxham's head trustee Kenny Cooke, Gillman has pledged his loyalty to the club and was expected to return to training this week, hoping to attain full fitness and resume the pressure on opponents in the physical rather than the verbal sense.

On Saturday, weather permitting, the Yachtsmen entertain last season's runners-up Mildenhall in a game they have to win in order to boost hopes that they remain in the title race on a realistic basis.