Beeston boss Griffiths hopes to keep cup final in the family

BEESTON manager Graham Griffiths is hoping Saturday's Knock-Out Cup final clash will be a family affair as his side bid to retain the trophy at Highfields.

Griffiths' son, David Griffiths, notched two goals in a comfortable 5-1 semi-final victory over Canterbury and has scored in every round of the cup so far.

Griffiths junior, a 21-year-old Wales international, also scored the crucial goal in last year's cup final as Beeston captured a 4-3 victory over Bowdon.

And Griffiths senior is adamant his side will not be resting on their laurels as they bid to end their season on a high, having missed out on second in the league to Reading by a point.

"We'll be going out there with the attitude of trying to score one more goal than them on the day," said Griffiths senior.

"It's great to be hosting the finals day again and we'll be going all out for the win. We've got a pretty decent record against Reading this season and we'll be looking to keep it going.

"David is on a good run of scoring form, especially in the cup so hopefully he can continue that.

"At the end of the day both teams have seen preparations disrupted with England internationals and training camps but we're both in exactly the same boat.

"It's just a case of going out there and putting on a good show for all the spectators who turn up."

Beeston came through both league fixtures against Reading unbeaten having overcome the Berkshire outfit 3-0 at home, and having picked up a 2-2 draw away.

And Griffiths senior is convinced his side have what it takes to get their hands on the cup once more - provided they can keep Great Britain's Beijing Olympian Richard Mantell quiet.

"As long as we can get stuck into Mantell at the back then I think we've won half the battle," he added.

"The problem with them is they're extremely dangerous if you let Mantell get his head up and fire long balls into the box.

"The fact that there was just a point between us in the league suggests it's going to be a close game but hopefully we'll have enough to edge it."