PDL outcome won’t have any bearing on FA Cup final, says Brown
Devonshire Cougars coach Dennis Brown insists the outcome of tonight’s PDL Knockout Cup final against Somerset Trojans will have no bearing on Sunday’s FA Cup final when the two teams meet again.Brown, whose side have already won the league and the Friendship this season, yesterday downplayed the significance of tonight’s match in terms of giving either side a psychological advantage ahead of the FA Cup final.“The result on Wednesday will definitely not have an any bearing on the match on Sunday, they are two totally different matches with varying consequences,” said Brown, who quit Trojans to take the reins at Cougars last season.“I don’t think this will be a dress rehearsal for Sunday but it will be interesting.”Cougars are expected to field their full quota of overage players (six) for tonight’s final — an Under-23 competition — with Brown adamant his side are taking the match seriously.“We will field the players who are eligible to play PDL and the required senior players for the match,” said Brown, whose side lost the PDL Festive Cup match to Wolves on New Year’s Day.“In the last PDL final on New Year’s Day we were not able to field our strongest team because we also had the Friendship final that day as well.“Wednesday we will field our strongest team possible for the match. We take all games serious and will be putting our best foot forward.”Cougars will be vying to claim the coveted ‘Triple Crown’ on Sunday at the NSC, with kick-off at 3pm. Tonight’s game starts at 7pm at BFA Field.