Nantwich Town are preparing for their second play-off semi-final in three seasons as they make the short trip to take on rivals Warrington Town, writes Ryan Batty.
It’s a one-off game for The Dabbers who hope to put their 7-3 league defeat at Basford United on Saturday behind them and take a step towards promotion.
Warrington Town, nicknamed The Yellows, finished in third spot in the league but with 15 point lead over fourth place Nantwich.
However, Dave Cooke is confident his underdogs can cause an upset tomorrow night (April 30) at Cantilever Park.
Cooke said: “It’s a massive game for the club.
“We have talked about the play-offs for a long time because we have been up there all season.
“But you could get there on a Tuesday night and if you’re not right or you don’t have a little bit of luck or you don’t play well then all that talk for nine months is over in 90 minutes.
“But it’s on us now. We weren’t right on Saturday [at Basford] but I think the players had half a mind on Tuesday’s game.
“We came out of that game with no injuries or suspensions and that’s what I wanted to come out with.
“Focus is now on preparing the lads for the game and of course we will give it our best shot.
“[Warrington] have been up there all year and perhaps are unlucky not to have won the league.
“The points total that they have got, in most leagues would win it.
“We know about them like they know about us and they have a top top manager in Paul Carden.
“But it will be on the night and I am sure it will be a cracking game of football.”
Dabbers winger Joe Mwasile joined Warrington ahead of the 2017-18 season following a good campaign over spells with Marine and the Dabbers.
He spent two months at Cantilever Park before he was released and made his return to the Weaver Stadium.
Midfielder Matt Bell has also spoke ahead of the play-off semi-final.
Bell said: “This will be the fourth time that I have been involved in play off games so I have a lot of experience for these types of games.
“It comes down to small margins and it is imperative that everyone is performing to the standards that have been set throughout the season.
“No game is the same so as a team we have to prepare in correct way and be both physically and mentally ready.”
Kick-Off is 7.45pm, admission £10/£6/£2
South Shields take on Buxton in the other play-off semi final.
The winners of each will meet in the play-off final on Saturday May 4 at the ground of the highest league finisher.
And that winner will then face a “Super Play-Off Final” on Saturday May 11 against the play-off final winner of Evo-Stik Premier Division Central League.
I would like to wish The Dabbers all the very best on Tuesday nights play off.