AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth
Darren Hepworth believes AFC Emley are capable of putting the cat amongst the pigeons in the Toolstation NCEL Division One promotion race.
Since claiming his side were taking the scenic route to the top two in October, Emley have gone ten league games unbeaten and lie in fifth place – six points behind second-placed AFC Mansfield.
“You go back 12 months and we were top of the league,” Hepworth told Non League Yorkshire.
“Twelve months on I have a bunch of talented lads. We are in great spot and I prefer the spot we are in now than I did 12 months ago.
“We are in a good position to have a good run at this league and I’m not just talking play-offs.
“We’re on a run now and I think we have an outside chance of a top two spot.
“If you look ahead to the second half of the season, we’re a real threat in this Division.”
To maintain their excellent form, Emley will have to safely come through the derby clash at Penistone Church on Boxing Day.
Hepworth added: “It is a cracker and there should be a good gate there.
“It is set for a good game and I know Ian Richards will have them really fired up.
“They’re on a good run and they owe us for earlier in the season, but we’re going there on a good run and we proved against Hallam that we are a hard team to beat.”