Odd Down 1, Corsham 1 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Odd Down 1, Corsham 1

4:18pm Thursday 4th May 2006 in Football By Stuart White

CORSHAM manager Colin Bush is hoping for a repeat of the Bideford performance when his team go for a cup double on Saturday.

His side beat the champions 4-0 two week's ago, and he claims another display like that will add the Les Phillips Cup to the Wiltshire Senior Cup he has already landed.

After finishing the league season with a 1-1 draw at Odd Down on Saturday, Corsham take on Willand Rovers at Frome and Bush wants to end a temendous campaign on a high.

He said: "I am looking forward to it, it is a nice way to finish what has been a wonderful season.

"Against Bideford we were absolutely fantastic. We were aggressive in our energy, played some lovely football and were clinical with our chances.

"A repeat performance would be very welcome."

Bush believes the dramatic penalty victory over Melksham at Hardenhuish Park in the Wiltshire Cup has made Saturday slightly easier.

He added: "We have given ourselves a great footing to go on and achieve a double.

"The pressure is off slightly, as we wouldn't have want ed to lose both finals. It is good to win any final, but the Les Phillips Cup final is a grand occasion.

"I won it twice with Chippenham, as assistant manager, and there are some big names on the cup. It would be good to add Corsham Town."

Corsham won 2-0 at Willand, who finished eighth, and drew at the Southbank this season, and the manager rates them as a tough challenge.

He said: "Willand are a very good side, who play good football and have made an impression on the league this season. It comes down to who is the best team on the day, and who takes their chances.

"We will play 4-4-2, make no changes from what we have worked with all season.

"Last year was excellent, but this year has surpassed all expectations.

"We are a tight group of 14 or 15 players who play cracking football.

This year they have learned to mix it up and play football when need to, but can also be more direct when it suits. I am a very proud manager, and very proud of the players."

Bush rested John Woods, Scott Lye and John Eldred for Saturday's final Toolstation Leag ue match.

Assured of second, he admitted that one eye was on the cup final and that it was crucial to get through the 90 minutes without picking up any injuries.

After conceding an early goal, a Dave Hopkins free kick drew the sides level.

And despite having the majority of possession, and Ben Fitch striking the cross bar, Odd Down were able to hold on for a point.

Bush gave youth team player Matty Ralph 35 minutes up front and was pleased with his performance.

He said: "It was good for him to get a run out and he did well.

"It was a typical end of season game, and everything was geared around getting as few knocks as possible."