Helston Athletic manager Matt Cusack looks ahead to today’s Cornwall Senior Cup final against Millbrook at Blaise Park (kick-off 2pm):

“The Cornwall Senior Cup will always be Cornwall’s football showpiece event. A competition steeped in history and one that means a great deal to me as a manager as it is where I secured my first trophy as a manager with Saltash United back in the 2017-2018 season at St Blazey.

“Blazey also has a deeper meaning to me as my late grandfather also played for the club back in the 1950s.”At a personal level, this is my fourth straight final in the competition, and I’m proud to be leading Helston Athletic in a bid to win the club’s first silverware in 86 years.

“To achieve that we will have to be at our best against a well drilled Millbrook team.

“I know Macca very well and have the upmost respect for him as a man and manager, he’s done a terrific job.

“I’ve got to know Lee (Britchford, assistant manager) a little better also, and together they make a formidable management and coaching team. Win or lose I’ll have a beer with them after!

“Our route to the final hasn’t always been easy and we nearly fell at the first hurdle, beating Torpoint on penalties.

“We then beat St Blazey, had a bye and beat a very good Saltash United in the semi-final to get here. Both Blazey and Saltash are likely to win their leagues or at least be in top two, so I have to commend our team for getting the job done in both fixtures.

“I always believe the big players step up and take their moments on the big occasions, and two of those players Rikki Shepherd and Tom Payne did exactly that in the semi-final both scoring vital goals to help secure our passage.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the pair of them this year. Macca gave them a glowing report when we spoke last summer so I knew we were getting two top players from Millbrook and more importantly two top lads.

“Their contributions have been excellent this campaign, Rik has  surpassed the 20 goal mark and Payney has 14 goals from midfield and is also double figures in assists.

“Both lads will need to put feelings/relationships aside for this one as these opportunities don’t come around often, so it is important they focus on the task in hand for the day.

“Finally, I am delighted St Blazey has been chosen for the final. It is the perfect venue for a final with a great pitch and excellent facilities all around. 

“Fingers crossed for some nice weather to make it the perfect occasion for a final.”