Euxton boss Southern eyeing league and cup double

The 47-year-old car salesman saw his side claim the Division One Reserve title on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Blackpool Wren Rovers.

And they have the chance to add more silverware to an already impressive season if they can overcome Wyre Villa Reserves in the Stewart Rowe Memorial Cup final on Wednesday May 4.

The former defender/midfielder was unimpressed by his side’s display on Saturday – but was fulsome in his praise for his side in 2021/22, which has lost just four league games all season.

“It was a tense game, the most tense we’ve played for ages,” said Southern, who has been in charge for the past three years.

“I wanted people to come down and think they were watching Euxton Reserves play at their best. But we weren’t as good as we have been and Wrens gave us a real battle, credit to them.

“We only needed a point to win the title but I wanted to win and it was great when we scored the late goal to win it.

“We’ve got two league games left and I need to give some of my lads some minutes before the final. I’ve got a squad of 27 so it’s hard at times, leaving people out.

“But they’ve played as a team, they’ve won as a team and they’ve lost as a team. It would be great to go and do the double now to round it off.”

Southern heaped praise on club stalwarts, Sally and the late Dave McDonnell, who he said had been fundamental in the shaping of his title winners.

But he declined to single any player out before the club’s end of season awards – but knows their efforts have left a lasting impact on him as well as others at the club.

“We’re all together and they play as friends and I’ve made friends for life at Euxton,” he said.

“And those friends have helped make memories which have led to trophies. One more would be nice!”