Hotshot Sam Atkinson will miss Carlisle City’s final game of the season this afternoon at home to Ryton and Crawcrook Albion at Gillford Park.
Atkinson has scored 10 goals from his last five games and a brace on Thursday in the 4-0 win at Esh Winning took him to 20 for the season.
But the Northern League Division Teo season should have finished by today and Atkinson had holidays booked.
Manager Jim Nichols said: “Sam has had a great finish to the season when we didn’t realise how good a centre forward he is.
“That’s a bit unfair because he is a very good footballer and has played well in a variety of positions – full-back, centre back and central midfield.”
Indeed it seems the only position he doesn’t seem to have played for City is goalkeeper, which might be strange when you consider his brother Jim is the well-respected keeper for Workington Reds.
“It’s been a big week for Sam as he got two in the 4-0 win over Wetheriggs in the County Cup and another two at Esh Winning in the League 48 hours later.
“The way he’s been scoring goals he will be missed but we have a good depth to the squad and have scored freely all season really. I always fancy us to score, and the other side of the coin is we’ve been tight in defence too.
“It’s because of that we have a better goal difference than Heaton Stannington so if it works out we are level at the top then we will take it,” said Nichols.
Heaton Stannington have one of the bigger budgets in Division Two, and have been eyeing one or two of the City players.
“I think they’ve tried two or three times to tempt one of them but it’s pleasing when lads stay loyal and stick with you, especially when we have one of the smaller budgets.
“It would be a real achievement to win Division Two, especially because of all the games we have had to make-up in recent weeks. It’s taken a big effort and I’ve been particularly pleased with how we’ve managed games,” said Nichols.
Both games this afternoon promise to be tense affairs. Carlisle City and Heaton Stannington qill trying for the win which would possibly clinch the title for one and definitely confirm it for the other.
In opposition Ryton and Crawcrook in fifth and Easington Colliery who are fourth, both require wins to confirm places in the play-offs
If they are denied, and Heaton Stannington hang onto their lead, there’s still another chance for City as they will finish runners-up and be guaranteed a home tie in the play-off semi-final.
