STEVE Wilkes has urged his players to take a historic opportunity when Northwich Victoria meet Winsford United in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final.

He told the Guardian that the chance to win a first trophy since fans took ownership of the club is an added incentive for Vics to beat Blues at Wincham Park tomorrow, Thursday, kick-off 7.45pm.

“I want to change that fact and so do the lads,” he said.

“I told them after we had gone out of the FA Vase that the games in this competition would become our most important.

“As a manager, I’m motivated to win silverware. That’s why I do the job.”

Vics brushed aside 1874 Northwich at the semi-finals stage last month before going on to secure fourth place in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

A 1-1 draw at Bootle last weekend also contributed to their hosts missing out on promotion.

It also means Wilkes’ side lost only one of the 10 games they squeezed into April.

> What Blues are saying about the cup final

He said: “I don’t think the result against Winsford will have any bearing on how we assess our season.

“If you’d have offered us a top-five finish, a chance to win a semi-final that took us to Wembley and a crack at a local rival in another final then we’d have snapped off your hand.

“We know already where we must improve for next year, and that won’t change if we win this game.”

Rob Doran, who hasn’t played since damaging a shoulder against Burscough on April 7, is Vics’ main injury doubt.