FOOTBALL: Murfin a doubt for cup final

Murfin, who has struck 40 goals, suffered a groin injury in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Hailsham and is rated at just 50-50 to play, and midfielder Phil Turner is also an injury doubt with a groin problem.

Peacehaven are looking for a cup double, having already lifted the John O'Hara Cup and they also beat Wick twice in the league, so will arguably start as favourites.

But Wick boss Carl Stabler believes his side have an excellent chance, providing everyone is fit, and he said: "Scott's probably only 50-50 and it will be a massive blow if he can't play. I doubt he'll figure on Saturday and Phil won't either. I hope they make it but Phil hasn't played much football recently."

This is Stabler's first cup final since he lifted the County League Division 2 Cup with Littlehampton in 2004, and the Sussex RUR Cup is the one County League competition which still eludes him.

He said: "It would be nice to win it as it's the only one I haven't won but it's not about me, it's about the team.

"They have worked so hard. After Vic Short left, a few players let us down, so it would be nice for all the players who stayed to get something out of the season.

"It's great for players like Ben Torode, Phil Turner and Lee Barnard to be in a final. They've all played for me for a long time and deserve to win something.

"They all have such a great attitude but I could say that about the whole team – it's very hard to pick out individuals."

On Peacehaven, Stabler said: "They have beaten us twice, so possibly start as slight favourites but I'm not too concerned about that. It's a cup final, so anything can happen.

"We know they're a good side but if we have a fully fit side we are good enough to beat anyone in this league.

"It looks like we're going to achieve our goal of finishing in the top six and we've been in the top four for the last three seasons now. The atmosphere at the club is absolutely fantastic and everyone's really enjoying it.

"When I came back as manager in December, I didn't really want to. But since I did, I've really enjoyed it and that's because of the lads and all the togetherness."

Wick reached the final with wins over Hailsham (4-1), Eastbourne UA (1-0), Shoreham (3-2) and Whitehawk (1-0).

Peacehaven progressed past Redhill (3-1), Ringmer (4-2), Seaford (3-1) and Crawley Down (3-0 on penalties after a 2-2 draw).

Wick will meet Ringmer in the Brighton Charity Cup final on May 13 after Ringmer defeated Shoreham 2-1 after extra-time on Saturday.

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