Sunday football champs ready for national cup

The perennial trophy winners take on top Liverpool outfit Pineapple FC at Muglet Lane, Maltby, (1pm start) in their first venture in the competition for the “best of the best” Sundays sides.

Joker received a bye in the first round and believe they have what it takes to go far in the competition. The Bramley club have been at the forefront of the Sunday game for decades and have swept the board in recent times, winning the Sheffield Senior Cup two years in a row.

“I suppose we have put ourselves up to be shot at but hopefully we can go out and do the region proud,” said team boss Andy Battersby.

“We've seen Pineapple's team sheet and there are a lot of North West Counties and EvoStick League players in there so it will be a good standard game.

“We're representing Rotherham, so it would be nice if players from other local Sunday teams could come and support us when their morning matches finish.”

The occasion coincides with long-serving goalkeeper Jamie Bailey's 400th appearance for Joker. A presentation will be made to him before the game.

“Jamie has been with us 14 years,” added Andy. “To tot up 400 games in the Sunday League is a good achievement, he's played nearly every game, every season and deserves recognition.”

Admission tomorrow is £2.