Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane Aquaforce boss Craig Elliott
Craig Elliott believes his Shaw Lane Aquaforce players should be proud of themselves for taking the title race to the final day of the season.
Shaw Lane have to win at Rugby Town and hope third-placed Coalville Town beat Stafford Rangers. If that happens, Aquaforce will win the title on goals difference.
“People forget where we have come from to take it to the last game of the season,” Elliott said.
“It is unbelievable effort from everyone at the club to get within a shout. I’m proud of that more than anything.
“At Christmas, I think we were written off by a lot of people, even people at the club.
“I think we have lost one game since Christmas, lost four league games all season. Lost only one league game at home all season, it is unbelievable statistics.
“In any other league, you would win it so it has been a great effort from us and Stafford.”
Elliott was involved in a similar scenario when he led Glasshoughton Welfare out of Toolstation NCEL Division One.
On the final day of the 2011/12 season, Glasshoughton had to beat AFC Emley and rely on Handsworth to defeat Worksop Parramore so promotion could be won.
That is how the day unfolded and Elliott says it is all about pressure.
“I’ve had that experience (last day drama) as manager and it is about holding your nerve,” he said.
“I’ve said three weeks ago, it is not about formations, it is about mentally and you saw how mentally strong we were on Tuesday to score in the last minute.”
Elliott will be following events at Coalville as he does have a busy to plan for if Stafford win the title.
Aquaforce are taking part in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup final with Frickley on Tuesday night. The Evo Stik League have decreed that if Aquaforce reach the play-offs, their home semi-final will be played 24 hours later so that is in Elliott’s thoughts.
He added: “We have got to keep an eye on Stafford’s result.
“It is a difficult one because I’m trying to rest players incase we go into the play-offs.
“I’m definitely going to keep an eye on their result because it will impact on how we approach the game.
“I’m sure it will be a nervy day for everyone involved, but it is exciting and it is a day to look forward to. Hopefully we will get a bit more luck.”
Division One South player of the year Gavin Allott is unlikely to return from injury for Aquaforce this weekend.