Aaron Joseph (left) has signed for Shaw Lane Aquaforce
Darren Hepworth remains convinced that AFC Emley can win promotion to the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Emley are eighth and ten points from the top two of Shaw Lane Aquaforce and Cleethorpes Town in the Division One table.
Emley host Retford United in the NCEL League Cup second round tomorrow night, but Hepworth is full of praise for his team and believes they have what it takes to propel Emley into the Premier.
He said: “We’re absolutely focussed on getting out of this Division and we had a good chat on Saturday about the things we need to work on for Tuesday night because we have a difficult game against Retford.
“This game is about gaining momentum so when the league games come, we can put that run together that we believe we can do.
“We have a few fingers in pies in terms of bringing new ones in, but beyond that we’re working hard with what we have got. I believe we have a really good squad here.
“The lads are a talented bunch and want to learn and I think we have the ammunition to get out of this Division.”
Hepworth took a blow last week when midfielder Aaron Joseph left to join big-spending Shaw Lane and on his exit, the Emley chief said: “It is part of the game, but it’s frustrating because they are in the same Division as us.
“But it is an opportunity for others to come through. I’m looking to forward to seeing some fantastic talent come through from the under 19s and the development squad.
“I’m not worried about the quality that is coming through. I didn’t want to lose Aaron. He was a core part of our squad.”