ASSISTANT boss Calvin Allen has heaped more praise on Holland FC's young guns as preparations continue for the club's big date in the First Division Knockout Cup final.

The coastal side bring the curtain down on their Thurlow Nunn League first division south campaign with trip to Wormley Rovers on Saturday and Coggeshall United on Easter Monday (both 3pm).

After that, all eyes will be on the cup final against first division north pacesetters Harlston Town, being played at Woodbridge Town's Notcutts Park on Friday, April 26.

Allen admits it has been a testing few weeks, with so many senior players forced to miss due to injury and unavailability.

However, he says the club's talented youngsters have done themselves proud.

“We're trying to rotate the squad so we’re fresh for the final," said Allen.

“But it’s hard because we’re playing good sides and it’s been a tough run of games.

“Physically, these young boys haven’t developed into men yet but they’re still trying and giving their all, trying to keep their shape.

"I give them loads of credit for that. Every single one of them, because none of them are giving up.

“All we can ever ask is that they do their best.

“I always say ‘don’t worry about yesterday, worry about tomorrow’ because you can’t control or change things that have already happened.

“It’s hard enough when you’ve got one or two young players in the team but because of our circumstances, we’ve got a lot in there – all trying to learn at the same time.

“There’s a bit of naivety and that’s going to happen, but in three of four years’ time they’re going to be fantastic footballers.

“That’s what matters and that’s what this club’s all about."

Holland played their final home game of the season last weekend, when White Ensign visited the W&S Scaffolding Community Stadium.

They finished on a high, with a 2-0 victory.