Football, District Cup final in Dordogne: a revenge for the Ribéracoise and Sarladaise reserves

In 2024, the Ribéracois reserves were a cut above (4-1) their Sarladais counterparts, during the District Cup final in Mareuil. This Sunday, in Saint-Astier, it could be more complicated against a FCSM B team which is having a remarkable season. Because the Sarladais, who won their return to Departmental 1 with 17 victories in 22 championship matches, will play a second final on June 15 for the D2 title, in Coulounieix-Chamiers, against Tocane. Hence a strong desire to achieve a double.

For its part, the CAR reserve team carries the last hopes of a club that, in April, had all three of its senior teams in the semi-finals of the various cup competitions. And in the league, in the other Departmental 2 group, Ribérac B had won seven matches by the break, to secure a place at the top of the table. This was before a more difficult run: only three wins in the second half, for a final fourth place.

Slowdown

"It was a transitional year, with a rejuvenated squad," explains coach Fabrice Meneret. "We had a very good start, which got our season off to a good start. But then, between absences, injuries, and players called up to the first team, we suffered. Now, the fighting spirit that characterizes this squad has allowed us to easily maintain our position and be present to try to retain our trophy."

So, there's no particular concern ahead of this final. Although we'll wait and see what the Ribéracois will show. With the cup as motivation, this could be their best performance yet.