The Norfolk Hire Senior Cup Final 2024
The Norfolk Hire Senior Cup Final 2024
First established in 1881-82, the Norfolk Hire Senior Cup is the oldest County Cup competition ran by the Norfolk FA. This season’s final will be contested between Gorleston and Downham Town on Tuesday 14 May with a 7:30pm kick off. Tickets for the fixture are available to purchase online.
This evening’s home side, Gorleston, are current holders of the Norfolk Hire Senior Cup, having defeated Dereham Town 3-1 in last year’s final. They currently compete in the North Division of the Pitching Inn Isthmian League, finishing this season in tenth place. After being exempt from the first two rounds, their cup campaign commenced in the third round where the beat Fakenham Town 2-3. The Quarter Final then saw them knock out Diss Town four goals to one, before securing their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Norwich City U23s.
When asked how it feels to reach the final, Gorleston Manager, Darren Cockrill said: “It’s huge for our club to be able to defend the trophy we won 12 months ago in the next final. It’s a massive achievement and one we are very proud of.”
Downham Town recently missed out on the chance to lift the Senior Cup trophy back in 2018 when they lost four goals to two in the final against Norwich United. They play in the Premier Division of the Thurlow Nunn League, with their season this year concluding in a seventh-place finish. Having been exempt from the first round, their cup run started strongly with a big victory over Wells Town, beating them 9-0. In the third round, their game against Mulbarton Wanderers resulted in penalties after a 1-1 draw. Downham Town then beat the opposition in the shootout 4-5. After knocking Wroxham out in the Quarter Final two goals to one, it was a 0-3 win over Watton United that saw them through to this year’s final.
When speaking about what reaching the final meant to him, Downham Town Manager, Dale Stokes said: “It’s a massive achievement for the club. Downham has had recent success with the playoff victory last season but have not won a trophy in 40 + years, so to have this opportunity is a massive statement for the club as it looks to cement itself at Step 5. Although the club has gained a lot of volunteers in recent years, winning this will mean a lot to club stalwarts such as George Dickson and John Fysh who continued to support the club throughout the stagnant years in the 2010s.”
Match Officials
Referee: Tom Harvey
Assistant Referees: Mark Chalkley & Cameron Saunders
Fourth Official: Ricky Owen
Gorleston v Downham Town
Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road
14/05/24
Kick Off 7:30pm
Adults £10; Concessions £6; Under 12s £1