The Norfolk Junior Cup Final 2022-23

This season’s final will be contested between Loddon United and Castle Acre Swifts, who both play in the Anglian Combination League, Division Two. They have met twice already this season with Loddon United winning 4-1 in the opening game of the season and Castle Acre winning 2-0 earlier this year.

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The home side this evening is Loddon United. They have had a very impressive season in what looks to be their final season in Junior football as a second-place finish in the Anglian Combination Division Two will hopefully promote them to Senior football in 2023/24. They managed twenty-one wins from twenty-six appearances, losing the other five which means they have not had a draw all season. Goal difference proved important as they finished just three goals behind Watton United having finished level on points at the top of the table.

When asked about the final, Loddon United Manager, Jake Sharpe said: “I’m pretty certain the club haven’t been to the final of the Junior or Senior cup in the club’s history. So, to get there this season and for it to be at Carrow Road is a special occasion. There are few people behind the scenes who have supported the club home and away over many years so tonight is for them!”

Their opponents this evening are Castle Acre Swifts who will be looking to top off a very good season with the Norfolk Junior Cup as they look to repeat the 2014/15 season where they were crowned winners here at Carrow Road. Castle Acre Swifts ended up in third place only three points behind their opponents this evening. They again played twenty-six fixtures, winning nineteen, drawing three and losing four. This meant they finished only three points behind Loddon in third place.

When speaking about the final, Castle Acre Swifts Manager, Lucian Hodkinson said: “This will be the third time Castle Acre Swifts will play in the Junior Cup final at carrow road. In the 1960/61 season unfortunately we lost 5-3 and in 2014/15 we won on penalties. Cheered on by a few of the original 1960s team who still regularly support us at home in legends corner, a stand named after former players at Castle Acres ground, winning the Junior Cup in 2014/15 was the biggest achievement in our club’s history, a day which all involved will cherish forever. Most clubs are never fortunate enough to play at Carrow Road in such a prestigious cup so to achieve this for the third time will further raise the club’s profile and status. We are a small village with a population of 860 people, most of our players live in, have previously lived in, or have connections to the village. This is not just a big day for the club it’s an opportunity for the whole village, friends and families to unite behind the team on this very special day.”

Match Officials

• Referee: Ollie Sadd
• Assistant Referees: Tom Rampling & Paul Gibson
• Fourth Official: Auberon Limmer

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Loddon United FC v Castle Acre Swifts FC

Carrow Road, Norwich City FC
22/05/23
Kick Off 7:45pm
Adults £7; Concessions £4; Under 12s £1