Toolstation NCEL Division One
Christian Fox has done a stunning job at Selby Town
The superheroes tag has worn off a little, but if Selby Town can pull off the miracle of reaching the play-offs, their players will be elevated to the status of gods at the Fairfax Plant Hire stadium.
The postponement of Saturday’s home game with Campion added more woes. Even with the impending announcement of a season extension for the whole of the NCEL, the challenge of finishing in the top six looks almost like mission impossible.
Selby have to fit in nine fixtures over the next four weeks, including difficult ones against champions-elect Knaresborough Town and Grimsby Borough. Christian Fox’s men will need win nearly everyone of them to prevent Hallam or Glasshoughton Welfare grabbing the last play-offs spot.
The swashbucklers looked a dead cert for the top six in January. But poor refereeing decisions – notably the ridiculous Brigg Town postponement (also caused by a too-involved match observer) and the draw at Retford – and long breaks from playing have contributed to their current situation.
Not reaching the top six would be a crying shame for the club as Fox raised the bar more than 100%. Attendances have dramatically increased and the style of football on show has been one of the best in the whole of the NCEL
Selby are due to host Knaresborough on Tuesday night and then Brigg on Thursday, but both games are definitely in doubt because of the current weather and forecast for the next few days.
Next Saturday’s trip to East Yorkshire Carnegie could be the start of Selby’s Tom Cruise impression.
Selby’s game with Brigg in January was postponed because of a small bit of mud. Referee Tony Clubb’s ridiculous decision has indirectly seriously damaged Selby’s play-offs hopes.