Whitby Town boss Nathan Haslam eager to end season on a high with cup final success

Town travel to the Riverside Stadium to face Boro Rangers in the final of the WOODSmith Construction North Riding Senior Cup, in a match that could be the cherry on top of the cake on the back of a season which has already seen the Seasiders enjoy cup success by reaching the FA Cup first round for the first time in 20 years, writes Liam Ryder.

There have been other memorable moments throughout the campaign as well, and Haslam is looking to end a promising season on a high under the Riverside lights in his side's final outing.

"I know we're two levels higher than Boro Rangers, but that was the case against both Northallerton and Guisborough where we struggled," Haslam told The Whitby Gazette.

"They're going to raise their game, they're a very good team. We know exactly what we're up against.

"There's going to be no leveller with the pitch so we can have no excuses as the Riverside will suit the way we like to play. It's a game we're really looking forward to."

Having made history this year, Haslam has added his name into a high-calibre list and is already one of Town's most successful managers based on the FA Cup run alone.

But Haslam refused to take the credit himself and praised his players, believing that the occasion of the upcoming county cup final will be the perfect end of season reward to play at Middlesbrough's home ground.

The Town boss also took time to thank the club's supporters once more, highlighting that they should enjoy occasions such as the one coming up on Monday evening.

"For me, Monday's all about the fans," he added. "As a management team, and as players, we're all in the game for occasions like this as it's a cup final but I want the fans to enjoy it as much as we will.

"What a place to end the season at Middlesbrough's ground as we've got a number of players who are fans of the club, and also supporters who follow both Boro and Whitby.

"It's our job to go there and get the job done. If we can get the job done on the night, it will be a memorable occasion for everyone. We want to win that cup."

Whitby have arguably produced some of the best football seen not just at the Towbar Express Stadium, but in the entire Northern Premier League Premier Division this season.

But in order to produce that standard of football, a pristine, slick pitch has been required, something which will be expected when it comes to 7:30pm on Monday night at the Riverside.

"We've played some wonderful football this season but we've had countless times where a move hasn't been finished because of the slightest of bobbles or something like that," the Town boss said.

"There will be no excuses at Middlesbrough and I think the surface there can help to show us in the best light."