Athersley Recreation manager Pete Goodlad is hoping the club reach the final of the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history in March
Pete Goodlad says Athersley Recreation want to make history in March.
Athersley have to play nine games during a busy March – eight Toolstation NCEL Premier Division matches and a Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup semi-final against Oughtibridge on March 12th.
Athersley hope to reach the Hillsborough final for the first ever time and also record at least a top ten finish in the league.
Athersley are currently 12th and Goodlad believes his side are prepared for a series of huge tests.
“We have some important games and it would be great if we can win as many league games as possible and win our semi-final,” he said.
“We have never further than the quarter-finals of the Sheffield and Hallamshire and it would be absolutely fantastic if we got the final. We really looking forward to the semi and we cannot under-estimate Oughtibridge. Even though they are in a lower league they’re a good side.
“I think there will be a great crowd because Oughtibridge are onto their third coach. They’re bringing some so the atmosphere is going to be fantastic.
“As a club we have won a lot of trophies over the years and that is the only competition we have never got to the final of.
“It would be a great boost, but it is not the main priority. We want to finish as high as we can in the league because we think we have a good squad and a good fan-base.
“So there will be no picking weaker teams before the semi-final. We can cope with the nine games. We have a reserve team and there are two or three lads in there who are on the fringes of the first team.
“Luckily we have no suspensions or injuries so we have a full team for March and should be able to cope.”
Athersley begin their gruelling schedule with a home game against Basford United tomorrow.