Toolstation NCEL Division One
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry says all the pressure is on AFC Emley ahead of the crunch clash between the promotion-chasers tomorrow.
Beechnut Lane is the location for one of the biggest games so far this season – one that could play a major part in the conclusion of one of the best promotion races Division One has ever seen.
Although the Colls, who are unbeaten at home, are third and eight points behind leaders Emley with two games-in-hand, Parry claims that his side can be relaxed about the occasion.
“There is no pressure on us, it is Emley who the pressure is on,” Parry told Non League Yorkshire.
“We’re going to be telling the players to relax and enjoy the game. We’re unbeaten at home which is a great record so we’ll be saying to the players to play in the same way we have all season.
“We’re under the radar, nobody is talking about us. We’re hoping to put on a good performance because there’s likely to be a big turnout and people expect entertaining. I’m sure they will be entertained because there is quite a bit at stake, especially for Emley.
“Emley need to win more than us. Emley are at the top and there to be shot at, a position they’ve been in before.
“Darren (Hepworth) has been at Emley a long time and has put some great foundations in place.
“I’m sure he is hoping his players have learnt the lessons from the past few seasons and can deliver for him after a couple of near-misses and set-backs in the final third of the season over the last few years.”
Pontefract head into the clash on the back of two consecutive victories and Parry added: “It was a good win last week at Eccleshill which is never an easy place to go to.
“It was pleasing because we changed the players around.
“We have been going well for the last few weeks and we have been picking up points without being noticed.
“But we’re not going to be shouting from the rooftops anyway.”