RUSSELL Humphreys had a brand new pair of gloves on his Christmas list.And the Tattingstone goalkeeper faces the prospect of wearing them out when he faces the goal threat of Grundisburgh in the third round of the Metaltec SIL Omnico Cup tomorrow.

By Elvin King

RUSSELL Humphreys had a brand new pair of gloves on his Christmas list.

And the Tattingstone goalkeeper faces the prospect of wearing them out when he faces the goal threat of Grundisburgh in the third round of the Metaltec SIL Omnico Cup tomorrow.

It is a real David and Goliath affair with Grundisburgh second in the Senior Division where they are the highest scorers with 40 goals.

Villagers Tattingstone are second from bottom of the Fourth Division with just five points from 12 matches and 36 goals conceded.

Tattingstone, who have been rather unobtrusive members of the SIL since 1965 - having first joined the league in 1919 - have experienced one previous game against senior opposition.

“Walsham-le-Willows beat us 10-0,” said secretary David Edevane. “We will be going on to the pitch intending to win, but this is the season to be jolly and we also intend to enjoy the occasion.

“Hopefully Russell received some new gloves and it will be an apt time for him to have a good game.”

Tattingstone, who beat Sproughton and Great Blakenham to get this far, are jointly managed by Mark Roberts and Karl Lyth.

They both still play and have been at the club for a decade, while playing

senior opposition will be a fitting reward for skipper John Corwin, who has been a Tattingstone stalwart for more than ten years.

Chairman Dave Wood lives in the village and has been connected with the club since the '70s, but otherwise there are no officials or players who hail from Tattingstone.

“Our playing surface is as good as any you will find at senior level and we are running well enough,” added Edevane.

“We have a reliable squad of players with an average age of around 30, but find it difficult to attract youngsters.

“Walsham looked after us very well and we enjoyed our day despite the big defeat. We are looking forward to another enjoyable occasion tomorrow.”

Tattingstone play five-a-side football at Whitton Sports Centre once a week to keep in shape, but they had to miss out this week because of the Christmas break.

It might be a case of damage limitation with Julian Beaumont, Lee Grimwood and Glen Driver and company hunting for goals in the Grundisburgh front line. Just the day for Humphreys to test his new gloves.

n In the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League, Ipswich Wanderers can continue their move up the table with a win over the teenagers from Cambridge-based CRC.

Manager John Clarkson has made some significant signings in recent weeks, and the Humber Doucy Lane-based club are on course to enjoy a successful 2007. Striker Rene Swann is heading the league scoring charts with 13 goals.

Needham Market can also be pleased with their progress this year, and a win at Soham will set them up for a good New Year, but Felixstowe and Walton United are slipping and could do with a confidence boost at King's Lynn reserves.

The lively Woodbridge front runners - including Ipswich Town possible target Joe Francis - could give Harwich plenty of problems at Notcutt's Park, while Jason Dozzell's Leiston are in action tonight with an attractive home fixture against Wroxham.

In Division One, Walsham will be seeking to build on Boxing Day's win over promotion rivals Debenham Leisure Centre when they take on Yarmouth, while Hadleigh can continue their good run with a result at Gorleston.

Whitton United will start favourites at home to March, and Stowmarket could do with the lift a win at Downham would bring.