Chance to poop the promotion party
They lie 15 points clear at the top with five games to go with a goal difference +28 better than their nearest challenger, but pure mathematics dictates that until Leek secure one more point, they cannot officially celebrate being champions.
So, on that basis we will try to make it as hard as we can for them to continue their wait beyond the Easter holiday to secure the title, by following up on our 1-0 win at 1874 Northwich on Saturday with back-to-back victories at Buckmaster Avenue.
Whatever happens, we can be assured of a bumper crowd as the Moorlands massive briefly descend upon us, with thevisiting fans’ plan no doubt to party long into the night.
The storylines are very evident for this one and it doesn’t need repeating that our gaffer –the man at the helm at Leek for six and a half years before his move to us – will be more determined than anyone to poop the Leek promotion party.
The team we put out yesterday was reflective of the challenge that lies ahead tomorrow. Josh Jordan was rested completely while Tom Jones and Jack Derbyshire played supporting roles from the bench. There’s a good chance that all three will be restored to the starting line-up tomorrow.
The truth about tomorrow’s game is that whatever pressure there is in the game lies squarely on the shoulders of our visitors. With an expectant crowd and playing against a local rival, they’ll want to get the job done. A wily, old fox likeBakes will be reminding our players that this is a free hit for us – we can go out and express ourselves. This is no time to be meek. Not against Leek.
There are goals galore in this Leek team. Rob Stevenson heads the league goal-scoring charts with 21, three clear of Clitheroe’s Sefton Gonzalez, and when you add in the contributions of Dan Trickett-Smith and Tom Carr that then tallies just one short of a half century. A mightily impressive output by anyone’s reckoning.
Whatever the outcome in tomorrow’s eagerly anticipated local derby, what our visitors have achieved this season is exceptional. Whether they secure the title tomorrow or not, Leek are very worthy champions, and they deserve every accolade they receive. Congratulations Leek on what you have achieved this season – you’ve done Staffordshire and yourselves proud.
Now we simply need to go out and test ourselves against the very best in our league.
Come on Castle!