It's Tranmere again!

The FA have this week announced that the final will be played at Tranmere Rovers on 21st April, with a 2.00pm kick off.

An article on the FA website states that it is the second time that Prenton Park has hosted the final. However, it will actually be the fifth time the final has been played there! The first final there was in 1981 when Fantail beat Mackintosh from Norwich.

The 1985 final was another Merseyside v Norfolk clash, as Avenue from Birkenhead played Hobbies from Dereham. This tie went to three games, with the first replay at Tranmere.

Avenue played two Sunday Cup games at Tranmere in 1986, as they beat Fantail Autex in a semi-final replay and Glenn Sports from Watford in the final.

I must admit that I was surprised to learn that this season's final will once again be played in the North West. Ten of the last eleven finals have been played there - eight consecutive at Anfield, two at Tranmere, whilst last season's final was played in Sunderland.

I went to the 2011 final, which was an all Liverpool Sunday league affair, between Oyster Martyrs and Paddock, so it made sense for it to be played at Tranmere. However, I think a change should have been made for this season. Don't get me wrong, Prenton Park is an impressive ground but I would have preferred a neutral venue somewhere in the midlands, as that seems fairer to both sides.