LITTLE Oakley joint-manager Sean Tynan believes his club have put themselves on the map – whatever happens in the Essex Premier Cup final.

The Acorns meet Essex Olympian League side Frenford Senior at Thurrock FC next Wednesday (7.45pm).

Getting so far in the competition – the main cup for step seven clubs – is already a serious achievement for the Memorial Ground side.

And while Tynan is desperate to win, he says just making the final is an accomplishment to be celebrated.

“It’s absolutely massive and getting this far has been amazing,” he said.

“It’s the pinnacle for teams at our level and, as a club that’s looking to progress and improve, it’s another big step in the right direction.

“If we were to win, it would be absolutely fantastic and a major achievement.

“But even if that doesn’t happen, it will still have been a huge deal to get to the final.

“I’m always positive and, whatever happens, we’ve put our club on the map as a football force at this level.

“I’m also so pleased for our chairman and committee, who work tirelessly without getting much credit.

“This is an occasion for them, as much as anyone, and I’m sure they’ll have a great night.”

Tynan will be at Frenford’s League Cup tie against Manford Way tomorrow.

Oakley first-team coach Matt Carmichael will assist Sadler at the Acorns’ Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division match at White Notley.

“It’ll be good to watch Frenford, as it was (previous cup opponents) White Ensign and Springfield,” added Tynan.

“You get some idea about how the opposition are going to line-up, the system they use and their strengths and weaknesses.

“But I’ve been involved in enough finals to know it’s not about form going into the match – it’s about how you perform on the night.

“It’s about coping with nerves and it’s a one-off match – the team that settles and gets their foot on the ball will usually win.”

After back-to-back defeats, Oakley bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Barnston AFC on Saturday (see page 38).

Jamie Beecham and Rob Pratt scored their goals.

Tynan says his players have a spring in their step, heading into such a momentous few days.

“Everyone’s looking forward to it and very excited,” he said.

“We’re taking a couple of coaches, for the players and supporters, which will give everyone such a lift and it’s going to be a great occasion.”

Meanwhile, Oakley’s reserves have booked their place in the Border League Knockout Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Coggeshall Town Reserves (see page 38).

They now face West Bergholt Reserves in the final, to be played at Garrison Colchester on April 19.

The reserves have another semi-final tomorrow, when they face Alresford Colne Rangers in the Tommy Thompson Cup.