Workington Comets team boss James Denham insists his side has what it takes to cause an upset in the playoffs semi-final this week.
Having reached the Championship play-offs the Comets face the daunting task of overcoming table-topping Poole Pirates over two legs to reach the final.
Denham said: “This is what we have been aiming for all season. From the beginning, I said we just need to need to take it on a meeting-by-meeting basis, build the team spirit and most of all go out there and enjoy it.
“That will not change for Poole this week. The main thing is that the lads are relaxed and they just need to enjoy it.”
Despite the Comets being blighted with injuries this season to Tate Zischke and Claus Vissing, with skipper Craig Cook the most recent addition to that list, some shrewd guest choices this week could make the difference.
“It’s been a headache at times this year, especially trying to arrange guests. Losing Tate reasonably early on could’ve easily derailed our season with the fantastic form he was in, but I think we have made some wise choices of guests home and away since then and also strengthening up at reserve with Paul Starke coming in.
“This Wednesday at Poole Lewis Kerr will replace Cookie at number 1, Jason Edwards will also come in at 2, and Leon Flint at 4.
“Claus has tried everything to be fit but is still having issues with his shoulder and hand unfortunately. But our guests for the away leg on Wednesday have historically gone really well around their place so we are hoping they can produce the goods for us.”
Denham maintains his side are ready for the most important two matches of the season so far.
He said: “We are ready for the toughest of tests this week, there’s no doubt Poole will be favourites – but that suits us.
“At the start of the season, we were predicted to be bottom but look where we are now and that is a fantastic achievement in our first year back in the Championship. It is also a real credit to Andrew for unearthing hidden gems like Tate and Antti.
“But we need the support of our fans on Saturday at Northside, it will be so important to our lads and no matter what happens on Wednesday it will be all to play for on Saturday afternoon. It should be a cracker of a meeting!”
