Toolstation NCEL Division One
Worsbrough are calling out for support. Picture: theSaturdayBoy.co.uk
Player/coach Luke Forgione says that Worsbrough Bridge are ready for the biggest on-pitch fight in the club’s history as they prepare for an emotional day.
Worsbrough are finally returning to Park Road after ground problems at the start of the season forced short-term moves to Grimethorpe and then Maltby Main.
Relegation-threatened Bridge, who host Winterton Rangers, are hoping for a bumper crowd. It is the first of 17 matches which will decide whether Bridge can retain their NCEL status, something which stretches back to the formation of the league in 1982.
Forgione is one of many reinforcements that have been drafted in by manager Mark Joyce to steer Bridge away from the bottom two and the midfielder says the belief is there. Bridge are currently five points adrift of safety.
“We’re confident as we have shown signs of improvement in our last two games,” said Forgione, whose initial association with Bridge dates back to the late 2000s.
“The Lincoln game was harsh on us as we missed a number of chances and then got hit with a sucker punch, a red card and a penalty which changed the game. But I’m of the opinion that we were the team that forced the game.
“Against Teversal we were competitive, but we made two mistakes and ended up chasing the game. We worked hard to get back into it, only to get caught by a set piece. It was nice to hear that we was the better team from people watching, but its no consolation.
“There is still work to be done, but we have games in hand and have to play teams around us. Nevertheless that doesn’t mean anything if we can’t get the points, something I think you would rather have.
“Nevertheless with the additions we have made and the players we currently have we are confident (of survival). We are looking forward to returning to Park Road and taking on the challenge that awaits us in the coming months.”
Forgione also believes Bridge need to look to past and attempt to turn Park Road into the fortress it once was. Under current Stocksbridge Park Steels manager Chris Hilton, Worsbrough went the whole of the 2012-13 season unbeaten at home. Bridge only lost two in the following campaign.
“Park road has been the home of Worsbrough Bridge for over 90 years so it will mean a lot to all associated with the club,” he added. “It is something that we look forward to as a club and me personally individually.
“It will be nice to be back at our home instead of moving around different grounds. I know from my experience of Non League football that not many clubs look forward to coming to Park Road and this is something we would like to exploit with ten home games left.
“We need to make it a difficult place to come to again and hopefully our small loyal supporters will push us all the way to the end of the season.”
To bolster their chances of staying up, Worsbrough have signed Penistone Church trio Luke Atkinson, Lloyd Gelsthorpe and Luke Exley. Striker Jamie Sutton, a former Athersley and Garforth, player has arrived along with former Pontefract player Josh Stacey. Liam Halford (Athersley) and Jordan Gill (Silkstone) complete the line-up.