AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth knows his side will have an idea where their season is heading after the next two games
Darren Hepworth admits AFC Emley that the next two games are very crucial to his side’s promotion hopes.
Emley face a tough few days as they head to Louth Town tonight and then to promotion rivals Shirebrook Town on Saturday.
Emley have to get back to winning ways as the 3-0 defeat to Hemsworth Miners Welfare on the NCEL GroundHop weekend has dented their Toolstation NCEL Division One promotion hopes.
Hepworth told Non League Yorkshire: “By the time we finish at 4.45pm on Saturday afternoon I think we will have a strong bearing on where we finish this season.
“We certainly have to take something out of the Louth and Shirebrook games.
“We can’t afford to lose. Defeat is not optional now, it is that tight.
“The defeat to Hemsworth is not terminal, it was a set-back.
“It is certainly not finishing us off and we have make sure we bounce back on Tuesday.
“The message to the players is quite simple.
“We have to learn and reflect on Saturday and I wanted them to hurt.
“I didn’t want anyone sulking and going home early. The defeat has hit us hard and I want them to channel that and give a determined backlash on Tuesday night.
“I would say ‘watch out Louth’ because we are a wounded animal. We’re going down there for a reaction, that’s for sure.”
Whatever happens, Hepworth has guided Emley to their highest ever finish and points total since their formation ten years.
He has been in charge since replacing Darren Bland in November 2010 so has had plenty of highs and lows.
Asked where the Hemsworth defeat ranks, Hepworth added: “It is definitely one of the worst performances.
“I’ve been in charge for nearly 250 games if you include the friendlies and in terms of performances, that’s definitely one of the low points.”
Left-back Mikey Starkey is back for Emley tonight.