“We’ve put in some of our best performances in the cup and we’re hoping to do the same on Wednesday,” says University of Gloucestershire midfielder Adam Smith with confidence ahead of their cup final.
“They are a good side (UWE) having faced them in pre-season we know a little bit about them but the final will be a completely different challenge.”
Gloucester made it back-to-back league titles last week after defeating Bournemouth Ones 2-1 away from home.
Smith believes that they can use that as momentum to potentially secure a league and cup double.
“Last week was a massive moment for the club. To achieve consecutive league titles is incredible and to now be in Western Tier One is very special.
“It was a brilliant achievement but we’re hungry for more and the cup is something we set out from early on in the season as something we want to go far in.
“Now we’re in the final the only goal is to get over the line and win the game, it’s as simple as that.”
To reach the final, the boys in blue had to see off league rivals Hartpury 2s in the semi-finals.
The 20-year-old believes that the attitude shown by the team in that game will be needed once again on Wednesday.
“It was everything a derby game is all about. Both teams playing with an intensity you would expect for such a fixture.
“To come from a goal down showed our true character and we were ruthless in front of goal which is the main reason we won the game.
“We will need the exact same performance levels in the final and to remain calm if we do end up going behind at any point in the match.”
The ones have used 23 different players this season, with 16 members of the squad finding the back of the net.
Smith acknowledged the importance of having good squad depth as well as appreciating how crucial it is that goals can come from all over the pitch.
‘Football is a squad game. We’ve had some injuries, people away on placement but the players who have come in and have all stepped up to the mark.
“We’ve become a real threat from set-pieces this year so several defenders have found the target which is brilliant.
“It puts less pressure on the forwards as they know we have players in all positions that can score goals.”
The final is being played at a neutral venue in Cardiff with an early scheduled kick off time of 10:00 AM.
However, the former Oxford United youngster stated that will have no impact on how they will approach the game.
“It’s the same for both sides. We’re both going to have to travel early and play the game at a place we’re not used to.
“It should be a great game between two attack-minded sides and hopefully come midday on Wednesday, we will be the ones celebrating.”
