CIRENCESTER TOWN have a point to prove against Shortwood United in the final of the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup on Tuesday, writes Danny Hall.

Shortwood, who are one division below their rivals, have dumped Ciren out of both the FA Cup and the Red Insure Cup this season.

The Centurions have no intention of allowing an unhappy treble.

Ciren’s slim mathematical hopes of making the Southern Premier play-offs were ended by the draw with Hungerford on Saturday but they still have the chance to end their fine season on a high.

With the big game approaching, manager Brian Hughes has been encouraged by his side’s response to tough tests.

“Some of our players are ready for a break and looking tired, but they have raised themselves against the better sides, our excellent win against Poole being a good example," he said.

“We have worked incredibly hard to get into this final, beating the holders Mangotsfield away as well as both Bristol Rovers and Bristol City.

"We have done it the hard way and we are determined to finish the season brightly."

The final takes place on the 3G pitch at the GFA’s headquarters at Almondsbury near Bristol.

Cirencester train regularly on an artificial pitch not dissimilar to their Arena surface.

“It should suit us,” said Hughes, “but we have played Merthyr twice in the last two years on their plastic pitch and been battered.”

Cirencester will be without the services of influential midfielder James Mortimer-Jones. “Jonah has trouble with his knees and has asked not to be included on that unforgiving surface," said Hughes. "But I watched the development side win well on Tuesday and there are players in my thoughts to boost the squad.”