University of Lincoln’s football society president, Alex Earle is confident that his new-look Cathedral Cup line-up will retain the trophy this evening.
Name: Alex Earle
Position: CB
Cathedral Cup Appearances: One
Supports: Newcastle United
Aspirations: Teaching
The University of Lincoln’s Alex Earle is confident of a win and believes that by having only two previous Cathedral Cup players in the squad it will keep his team fresh and harder for Bishop Grosseteste to predict.
He said: “I think there are two players that played last year so it’s fresh in that sense. It stops the opponent becoming accustomed to a style that a former team has played in.
“I’m confident. We have a set of lads that I believe in, and our team spirit is brilliant.”
Alex watched from the bench last year as his team secured a 6-1 victory over their opponents and so can’t wait to get out there this time round and help his team retain the trophy. He compared the feeling of lifting the cup to a Tyneside derby win.
“There is a rivalry between the two teams which will become apparent as the game unfolds. With this in mind, I’d have to say it would feel like beating Sunderland at the stadium of light,” said Earle.
Despite the large scoreline last year, BGU led up until the 64th minute and Earle accepts that it may have been down to underestimating their opponents. However, he assured that it won’t happen again.
“Complacency is easily achieved and did nothing but create an animosity within our set up. It won’t happen this year- respect your opponent,” he said.
The English student is no stranger to Sincil Bank having played there at under-18s level in a cup final for his local club. However, he did warn of the dangers of such a big ground, claiming that it can be overwhelming. However, he believes that the fans play a big part.
“We hope to achieve the 1000 mark again. Last year’s crowd was superb, so even half of that support would be amazing,” he said.
Among the crowd will be Earle’s father, mother and step-parents which he says can only spur him on.
“I’m used to playing in front of them, but it may be the last time I play in front of my dad. If anything, this will help my performance,” he said.
Earle’s team have identified a few players on the opposition as particular threats but the Lincoln president has one person in particular that he would like to get a win over.
“There are two or three players that we know of, but we are in the dark with players at this point. I would love to have bragging rights over Callum Ward as he would just hate it,” he said.
Alex will hope to live out his boyhood dream of being Alan Shearer tonight and grab a goal in front of the masses. You can see the University of Lincoln team take on Bishop Grosseteste tonight at Sincil Bank. Kick-off is at 19:45pm.