Daniels beat Grantham to secure back-to-back county cup final

A stirring victory over local rivals Grantham has further boosted the mood of optimism in the Daniels camp, according to manager Dave Staff.

The 2-0 win on Tuesday night in the Lincs Senior Trophy secures Daniels a place in the final of the competition for the second year running.

And it comes on the back of a mini unbeaten run including Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ramsbottom United and the exhilarating 3-0 victory over league leaders Skelmersdale United the week before.

The manager said: “Of course our focus has to be on the league but it’s nice to get to a cup final.

“Winning the competition in the final last year was a great occasion and to get there again gives the players a real confidence boost.”

A wonder goal from Ryan Robbins set Daniels on the way to victory on Tuesday.

The centre forward blasted home a left foot drive on 37 minutes and skipper Richard Jones forced the ball home from a corner for Stamford’s second on 67 minutes.

Staff said: “I think we deserved our victory. It was a fantastic strike by Ryan to put us 1-0 up at half time and we fought well in the second half. We had a bit of luck, but we defended doggedly and are continuing to improve in that area.”

Stamford will face Louth in the final of the cup competition in April, but there is no danger that the season’s finale will be a distraction to the players.

The line-up on Tuesday night was: Stevens, Clarke, Jelleyman, McGowan, Jones, Carr, Fox, Lawlor, Clements, Smith, Robbins.

Subs: Shariff, Challinor, Neil, Bettles, Staff.