Junior Cup Final Countdown – Vinnie Catania’s 5 in 5

The final say as we approach the big night rightly goes to the player manager of the side, Vinnie Catania, who has led the side this year on and off the pitch.  Vin gives us his lowdown of the season and his feelings of finishing his playing career (yeah right…) at Portman Road.

1 – How has the season gone from your perspective?

I think the season overall has been a success, newly promoted team finishing in the top five and reaching a cup final is definitely a positive season. When I look back at the second half of the season and the run we put together it shows we’ve grown into the division as it’s gone on and hopefully we can carry that on to next season.

2 – What does it mean to get to a cup final?

Obviously it’s a fantastic feeling to get to a cup final but to get to a cup final and play it at a premier league standard ground makes it all the more special. I turned 44 in April and this is going to be my last game as a player, whatever happens it’s going to end on a high but boy would it be nice to lift what would be my first cup victory as a player.

3 – What has been the highlight of the cup run for you?

Two moments stand out to me the most, firstly knocking out one of the favourites (Saxmundham) on their patch was a great feeling and the belief that created in the squad that day was vital to our continued success. Secondly having my family come to watch the semi final and being interviewed by my nephew on behalf of the Suffolk FA after the match was pretty special.

4 – What are you looking forward to most playing at Portman Road?

Mostly looking forward to playing on that surface, to experience that in itself is going to be a real treat. Not having to worry about a bobble and of course playing in front of what will most likely be the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of. Even talking about it now gets my adrenaline flowing so goodness knows how I’m going to control that on the day, hopefully I won’t peak to early!

5 – Which would win in a fight, a lion or a tiger, if both were covered in gravy, and why?

What a question! Well firstly the brand of gravy comes into play here but let’s assume it gonna be Bisto gravy which is thicker than your average, in which case I’m going to call on my days as a mud wrestling referee which I believe would be similar conditions to what the lion and the tiger will be going through.  Now in my experience the mud/gravy once it becomes embroiled in the hair/mane becomes a real problem and that for me is what will give the tiger the edge here. Once that lion is covered that mane is gonna be a real hindrance so yeah that tiger is deffo getting my backing, particularly if he’s had his Frosties that morning.

The final will be played at Portman Road on Thursday 29th May, kick off at 7.30pm.

Tickets are only available on the gate and are priced:

Adults – £8

Concessions – £5

Children 12-16 years – £1

Children Under 12 – Free when accompanied by an adult