Clitheroe, who visit Workington tomorrow in the NPL West semi-final play-off, are looking to make history.
The club has never been higher than where they are now and have reached the play-offs for the first time, bidding to step-up to the NPL.
On Saturday they lost 3-1 at home to Kidsgrove but manager Dave Dempsey took the decision to rest 11 of his first team squad.
If Runcorn Linnets had managed a goal at Trafford, where they drew 0-0, they would have taken over in fourth place and earned the trip to Borough Park tomorrow night.
So clearly Dempsey didn’t appear concerned about where he had to take his side for the semi-final.
Workington boss Danny Granger also made changes to his line-up, but not as extravagantly as Dempsey with senior players like Dan Wordsworth, Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison all excluded from the 16-strong match day squad.
All three are likely to be involved on Tuesday when Clitheroe look to repeat their 1-0 win at Borough Park early in the season.
Dave reflects on the game and looks forward to Tuesday pic.twitter.com/3FZwDQXi7W
— Clitheroe FC (@ClitheroeFC) April 22, 2023
The one real concern for Grainger will be the fitness of centre-back Sam Smith who had to retire early in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Colne because of a groin strain.
Cieran Casson was already operating there to allow Wordsworth time off the busy end-of-season schedule, and Steven Rigg filled in for the rest of the game, earning strong praise from his manager.
Leek Town host Runcorn Linnets in Tuesday night’s other semi-final when a home win will guarantee them staging the final on Saturday.
It should be remembered, however, that Marine won promotion from the play-offs last season after playing both games away. They beat Reds 3-2 in extra-time in the semi-final.
