AFC Emley boss Darren Hepworth prefers to chase rather than lead the promotion race
Darren Hepworth says AFC Emley are having taking the scenic route on their promotion quest rather than the direct way.
After Saturday’s defeat at Hemsworth Miners Welfare, Hepworth’s men remain tenth in the Toolstation NCEL Division One table – seven points off the play-offs.
However, the Emley chief is refusing to panic and insists his side are still in the promotion mix.
Hepworth told Non League Yorkshire: “We certainly fancy ourselves this year and I actually prefer the position we are in at the moment than last year, as daft as it sounds.
“I think we are in a place where we can surprise a few teams and make that run.
“We learnt last season that running from the front is tough so this year we’re going to do it the other way round.
“I’m confident we’ll be in there by the end of the season.
“We showed some real character against Hull with nine men to get a point.
“Against Liversedge in the League Cup we never gave up and were value for going through.
“The performances are coming together and the stupid thing would be to think we’re drifting away because we’re not.
“If anything, it is about any team putting a run together of five or six games because suddenly you’re back in the mix.
“We’re more than capable of that.”
Emley are away at Shirebrook this evening.