Two clubs who have endured tough times this season head to Carrow Road on Thursday night for the Norfolk Senior Cup final when Dereham Town face Gorleston.
Relegation sees Dereham back in the Thurlow Nunn Premier next season, while the Greens have been forced to play their first season at step four without a ground - Lowestoft Town has been their home from home.
However, Gorleston made a fist of life in the Isthmian League North Division, finishing in 13th place after a slow start to their campaign.
They will be looking to round off their season with a second Ashtons Legal Senior Cup trophy in three years, having reached this year’s final after a victory over Mulbarton Wanderers in the semi-finals.
“It’s huge for Gorleston FC," said manaager Darren Cockrill. "This has been a tough season with no home ground and our first at step 4. It gives our fans and more importantly our chairman and committee a night they can hopefully enjoy.
"I am not sure you ever enjoy finals unless you win in all honesty. Confidence doesn't come into it, it’s who performs and deals with the pressure the final produces. My job is to make sure my group are ready for it.”
Dereham - who last won the Senior Cup in 2019 - go into the final after suffering relegation from Step 5, losing 2-0 to Stotfold in an end-of-season play-off match.
The Senior Cup has provided some joy, though, after wins over Great Yarmouth Town, Thetford Town and Wroxham, to reach their fourth final in five years.
Dereham boss Tom Parke said: “To reach a cup final at any point in a club’s history is an amazing achievement but this one is extra special.
"After a season of chaos, the club, the team and the fans have produced a real underdog spirit to get to the final.
"I have been fortunate to be involved in three Senior Cup finals with Dereham Town and I am really excited leading the club into another.
I am looking forward to watching the lads perform as they deserve it, I’m super excited about hearing the Magpie fans in full song and I can’t wait to see my daughter run out on the pitch as a mini Magpie.”
Tickets for the final, which kicks off at 7.45pm, are: adults £10; concessions (65+ and 13-16) £6; under 12s £1. They are available only from www.norfolkfa.com - tickets will not be available for purchase at the ground or on the day.
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