Margy and players relishing hosting Benfica XI at Broadhurst Park

Manager Karl Marginson has said everyone at the club is relishing hosting European giants Benfica at Broadhurst Park on Friday night and hopes that it will be an occasion to remember for the players, the supporters and our prestigious Portuguese guests.

Margy said: “Friday is going to be a celebration of everything we have achieved together as a club over the last 10 years and I’m immensely proud to be part of it. It’s a fantastic honour that a club as big as Benfica has agreed to help us celebrate the occasion. I’m sure they will be made to feel very welcome by everyone and I hope they leave feeling that they have met a special club.???

Although the football may be secondary to the occasion itself, Margy is expecting to face very tough opposition. It’s anticipated that Benfica will field numerous internationals from their Under-21 team, many of whom were runners-up in last season’s inaugural UEFA Youth Champions League.

The youngsters from Lisbon were unbeaten for all nine games en route to the final, claiming impressive away victories against Paris Saint-Germain (1-4), Manchester City (1-2) and Real Madrid (0-4), before eventually losing 3-0 to Barcelona.

Margy said: “They are some team. It will be a great experience for our players to play against them and one I’m sure they will enjoy. I also hope the Benfica players will enjoy playing against us too. They will not have experienced playing in front of our supporters before, it’s an experience in itself.???

Margy has vowed to involve as many players as possible, whilst still keeping a competitive edge. He said: “Naturally, all of the players want to play and I have a duty to them as it’s a very special occasion. But we also want the game to be a spectacle and competitive, so we will aim to get the right balance.???

He added: “I hope everyone has a great time and it’s a night to remember.???