Chichester City boss relishing cup final

City face fellow Southern Combination premier side Newhaven in the showpiece at Culver Road, Lancing, on Tuesday (7.15pm).

Rutherford, who took over from sacked player-boss Daren Pearce in Ocotber, has had a fine start to his managerial career at Chichester, guiding them to the cup final while suffering just two defeats in 16 games in charge.

He is aware Tuesday’s match will be tough as his side come up a high-flying Newhaven side, who sit sixth, but the Chi chief feels if his side play to their potential they can clinch the trophy.

Rutherford said: “It’s a game everyone at the club is looking forward to and wants to win. We know what a strong side Newhaven have and they will give us a really tough test. Lee Robinson is the top scorer in the league and they have several other talented players.

“Since I’ve come in, the team have shown their quality and I think this cup run shows that. We will go into the final with nothing to fear knowing that if we play well, then some silverware could be ours at the end of it.”

Before the final, City host table-toppers Horsham on Saturday. But Rutherford says he won’t be resting any of his squad ahead of their final.

He added: “It’s probably not the greatest game to have so close to a cup final but it is what it is. I won’t be resting players ahead of the final I’ll be putting a strong side out against Horsham. If we could beat them that would give us great confidence going into the Newhaven game.”

City beat Lancing in the RUR semi-final, while they lost their league contest against the Lancers in their only other competitive clash on the 43G pitch to be used for the final.

Rutherford believes the surface does not really suit his side but knows both teams will face similar problems come the final.

He said: “We’ve played there a couple of times this season and it’s one the players don’t particularly enjoy. It’s going to be the same for both teams and the better side on the day will come away with the cup.”

LEWIS MASON

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