Evo Stik Division One North
Ossett Town manager Grant Black
Grant Black hopes Ossett Town can take their fight for a play-offs spot to the bitter end.
Despite some harsh predictions from some quarters in August, Ossett have stunned many by being in the promotion race for the whole of the campaign.
The Ingfielders are sixth, two points behind Colne with four games remaining and Black says his players should be relishing the situation.
“We alluded to the lads recently that at the start of the season, some people had us down as favourites to go along with Trafford,” Black told Non League Yorkshire.
“Us and them are fighting it out with five or six other teams to get into the play-offs.
“We’re in a brilliant position and it is exciting for everyone at the club. It should also be exciting for the players as a lot of them have been in situations where they have had nothing to play for at the beginning of April.
“Now every game is pretty much a cup final. What it will take to get into the play-offs I don’t know because it is so tight. Teams are taking points off each other right, left and centre.
“But we have a great chance of at least taking the fight to the final day.
“Personally if we missed out I would be disappointed as although it is a big thing for Ossett to be up there, we have been up there all season.
“We are not up there by fluke or by chance. I would still look upon it as a great season though.
“Football clubs should be looking for progression year-in-year-out and we have made massive progress. We’re going in the right direction and that’s all you can ask for from the players.”
Ossett, who 14 months ago were staring down the barrel of relegation to the Toolstation NCEL until Black arrived to lift them from the abyss, briefly went fifth in midweek.
Ossett drew 1-1 at Brighouse Town to climb into the play-offs before Colne beat Bamber Bridge 24 hours later to reclaim fifth spot.
Looking back on the Brighouse draw, Black said: “Brighouse were on top in the first half and we were in the second half, I think that’s a fair reflection on the game.
“I’ve done Monday night’s at Bradford (Park Avenue) and it is good for a team when you’re used to it. When you’re not a team its not and it is hard.
“It took us 20 minutes to get into it. I thought the lads rode out a tough start as Brighouse started really well.
“We got to half-time at 0-0 and we changed a few things around. We then set off really well, got our goal. It was disappointing to concede a goal which we feel we shouldn’t have.
“We almost nicked it at the end with the Ash Jackson chance. We then should have been awarded a penalty. How the officials did not see it I don’t know?
“But on a Monday night away at Brighouse at this point in the season, it could be a good point.”
Ossett visit Ramsbottom United tomorrow.