Workington Reds pulled a 1,326 crowd for last year’s play-off semi-final with Marine and hope to top that tonight.
It will be a shared gate and indications are that opponents Clitheroe will be bringing at least 100 fans.
They are contesting a play-off semi-final at this level for the first time and manager Dave Dempsey seems very confident of the outcome.
He told the Clitheroe website today: “”Preparations have been good, we’ve had the lads in a couple of times and we’ve managed to rest every player on Saturday against Kidsgrove. We are going into the game with everybody fully fit.
“The lads know how big of an evening it is and we need to go with no pressure and hopefully come away with a massive win.”
” We’re not carrying anybody with injuries in the squad and aside from Pughy and Wilkes, we are at full strength. We are all really looking forward to the occasion and every player is ready to go.”
” The club have been brilliant in supporting us in the preparation for the analysis and access to the pitch as and when we’ve asked for it.
“Like I’ve said a million times over we keep giving the players the same messages and preparing on what we do well. Whether we play top of the league or bottom, we will always focus on us and nobody else. We are full of confidence and go into the game in good spirits. We are more than ready to go”
Clitheroe won 1-0 at Borough Park early in the season and drew the return 1-1.
Dempsey said: “The play-off semi-final is a one off game as we all know. The last outings against Workington have been massively competitive and I’m expecting more of the same.
“It will be two of the best sides in the league going toe to toe, it’s got the makings of a great game. The players know they are capable of beating Workington, we just need to apply ourselves correctly, turn up and make it a competitive fixture. If this happens who knows?
“There’s a lot of thought in my head as I’m sure you will all appreciate. The thought of winning and celebrating with the fans is the main one I can think of though.
“This football club deserves nights like Tuesday year in year out, we need to do everything we can to give them another one on Saturday.
“I’m just so proud of everyone this season and we aren’t settling for second best, we are all massively looking forward to tonight and ready to go.”
Home boss Danny Grainger has always believed in his group of players, despite some frustrating results over the last month of the season.
He said: “Sometimes I wish the players believed in themselves as much as I do but I know when we play to the best of our ability we are capable of beating any team in this League.
“I have tried to look after some of the senior players in a hectic finish to the season which is why they didn’t play on Saturday.
“I have a few considerations to make ahead of selection but whatever the team we pick I am sure the players will give everything to get the right result.”
Sam Smith is Grainger’s only injury concern after he was substituted early in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Colne.
