Fans of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League will have a feast of football to choose from tomorrow (Saturday).
With five “winner-takes-all” games to choose from, Saturday is set to be one of the biggest days of non-league football in recent years.
The first ever Doodson Sport Cup final takes place at Eastwood Town’s Coronation Park on Saturday with both clubs keen to get their names on the silverware.
Rushall Olympic’s first season at Step Three has been an unprecedented success, finishing eighth in the Premier Division and reaching three cup finals. North Ferriby United meanwhile underwent a resurgence under the stewardship of Billy Heath, finishing just below the Pics in the league.
A hugely intriguing clash in the First Division North play-off final sees Witton Albion make the trip to Tameside to play Curzon Ashton. The Blues hold an intimidating unbeaten home record this season, but Albion will no doubt fancy their chances of ending that streak given their 101-goal regular season showing.
Both sides have experienced play-off heartache in recent years but will be confident of reaching the promised land of the Premier Division. With just two points separating these teams after 42 games, expect another close game at Tameside Stadium
The First Division South final presents an intriguing proposition as Ilkeston FC – in the top two for most of the season – play in-form Leek Town, who sneaked into the play-offs on the final day of league games.
Both teams also had very different experiences in their semi-final games, with the Robins hammering Sheffield FC 7-1 on Monday night and the Blues needing penalties to see off Carlton Town after a sapping encounter on Wednesday.
Four sides looking to join Chester FC in the Blue Square Bet North face off on Saturday for a place in next weekend’s Premier Division play-off final.
All of the teams involved played some part in play-off football last season, with FC United beating Park Avenue in last year’s semi-final before losing to Colwyn Bay in the final. Hednesford Town lost in the final of the Southern League play-offs, while Chorley’s memories are much sweeter – they beat AFC Fylde in the First Division North final to secure their place in the Premier Division.
Here’s what the fans are saying on Twitter;
@leesuton71 - fc united of Manchester for the win..... Fans owned forever. Make friends not millionaires
@RushallOlympic (unofficial account) - Peeps expected nothing of us this season. They know what to expect now! Massive achievements on&off park but we want silver to show
@IFC_Francis85 - first season back and were in the play off final. A massive thanks to Kevin Wilson and Darren Caskey for what they have done for our club! #RobinsPromotionPush
@CallumHood - good luck to @leektown COYB!!
@richardscott93 - as a Chorley fan really nervous but in Flitty we can trust go up or not we have had a great season and hopefully we have 2 more win
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