Marauders out for national glory
Sunday might be a massive day on Merseyside as Liverpool get ready to face Everton, but for one local football team it's a great chance for them to do the city proud in a national cup final.
The Liverpool FC-supported team, Mersey Marauders, face London Falcons in the final of the Gay Football Supporters Network Cup, at Hyde United FC's Ewan Fields. Kick-off is at 7pm BST.
The Mersey Marauders are in their first full season and have done Merseyside proud by reaching the GFSN Cup final.
The goals have been flowing en route to the big game with 22 scored in just four games and, after winning the Division Three title, they hope to clinch a league and cup double.
However, it won't be an easy task as London Falcons have just won the GFSN Division One championship.
Looking ahead to the big game, Marauders ace John Appleton told Liverpoolfc.com: "It feels great.
"This is our first season as official members of the GFSN National League so to win our division with a flawless record and to reach the cup final is something we are really proud of and something which has certainly surpassed our expectations.
"We are extremely confident going into this game. We have already beaten three teams from the top division to get to the final so if we can keep up the same level of performance I'm sure we can secure a positive result and get our hands on the trophy."
The Mersey Marauders have worked closely with Liverpool FC through the Football v Homophobia campaign, and Appleton is grateful for the club's support.
He added: "It is certainly something that has helped enhance the club's profile.
"We hope that the Football v Homophobia campaign can follow on from the Kick It Out campaign in terms of successfully driving prejudices out of football, but the only way that this can happen is if the campaign is embraced by the game's big names and organisations - which is why Liverpool FC's commitment to the cause is a real boost.
"To have an established link to one of the biggest clubs in British football is something we are immensely proud of."
