FOOTBALL: Maltby Main manager aims to bow out on a Sheffield Senior Cup high

The Miners take on Emley AFC in the final of the Sheffield Senior Cup in what will be his last game in charge.

Dawson has taken the chance to move on after a change at the top at Muglet Lane which has seen chairman Wilf Race step down to be replaced by Kieran Gallagher.

But the outgoing boss has one piece of unfinished business at the Eco Power Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers, tomorrow night as Maltby try to win the Senior Cup for the first time since 1978.

“It's probably a good time to leave,” said Dawson. “I can lead the club into the final, hopefully we can win it and then the new era will start from then onwards.

“The Senior Cup is massive. I have won the Senior Sunday Cup but never been involved in the Saturday final as a player so I will be doing everything to win and the lads are on board with that.

“I said to the players the other night, 'it's not very often you will get to this final. You've got one chance so do everything you can to be ready for it’.”

Action from Maltby's Senior Cup semi-final against Sheffield FC.

Back in '78, Main beat Mexborough Town Athletic to win the Senior Cup at the old Belle Vue ground at Doncaster.

This will be their second straight year in the final having lost last year's showpiece to Worksop Town, also at Doncaster, when the team was under different management.

But whereas Main were lower-league underdogs for that one, this time they'll face an Emley side in the same division of the Northern Counties East League.

Both league games between the teams ended in draws.

“I have been to watch them three or four times this season,” said Dawson. “We've done our homework as much as we can but this is a one-game scenario.

“It's been difficult because our last competitive game was back on April 8. There's been a long wait and we've had to play friendlies and train and go to the gym and go boxing to keep the lads fit.”

Going forward, Dawson is expected to link up again with his former co-manager Lee Whitehead, who left Maltby a few weeks ago. The two made the switch from Maltby to Parkgate last July.

Added Andy: “The team has got stronger and stronger as the season has gone on. That's one thing that leaves me wondering 'what could have been' next season, but on the other side I think it is just right timing.

“It would be nice to sign off with a cup, not only for me but the players because I know some will be moving on as well.”

Maltby are expected to take a few hundred supporters to the final.

Kick-off tomorrow is 7.30pm and entry is £10 (adult), £5 (concessions) and U10s (free).