Toolstation NCEL Division One
North Ferriby manager Chris Bolder expects the race for the title to “the wire”.
Leaders Ferriby have a three-point lead at the top following their first league defeat of the campaign last time out.
Ferriby lost 1-0 at third-placed Brigg Town who closed their deficit to four points and Bolder says it is all to play for.
“Brigg knew it was a big game although not a defining factor in the season,” Bolder told Non League Yorkshire.
“But I think it was a big moment for them and had we have won the game then it would have put a big margin between them and us.
“But anything could happen and I think what has happened as a result of our defeat and coupled with a wins for Harrogate Railway, Selby, it has brought the group (at the top) closer together again.
“In recent weeks I think a gap had been created below the top three but I think the promotion race has been reinvigorated with the way results went (on the 18th December).
“I think (the title race) will go to the wire because I think what you have seen is teams are more than capable of beating everybody in this league.
“It is evident that regardless of where you are in the league table, on your day everyone can beat everybody.
“If you had said to us at the start of the season that we’d go 20 games unbeaten in the league and sitting top of the league at Christmas, I think I’d have jumped at that opportunity.
“We have put ourselves in a good position but we’re only just halfway through the season.
“There’s a long way to go and lots of twists and turns I’m sure to come.
“We’re in a strong position towards where we want to be but the most important factor is where you finish after the last game of the season.”
Ferriby are due to host local rivals Hall Road Rangers tomorrow (Tuesday) and it could be another big moment in the season as second-placed Hallam entertain Brigg.
A win for Ferriby could see them extend their lead if Hallam drop points.
However, Bolder’s only focus is Ferriby.
“If you look at Brigg and Hallam’s next game, they play each other and that’s another huge game for both teams,” he said.
“But we have always have said to the players that we have to have this mindset that it is irrelevant who we are playing and we have to look after ourselves.
“If we take care of ourselves we don’t have to rely on other results to go our way and any favours from anyone.
“It is still firmly in our hands about how we go about this season.
“Although you do get bonus results where a team slips up or whatever but we have to get the job done from our point of view then we’re not relying on favours.
“If you are going to win the league or get promoted then it has to be down to your own work.”
Where Hall Road are concerned, Bolder expects a difficult test.
“It is huge and every-time we play a local derby, form goes out of the window,” he said.
“There’s bragging rights and people who are desperate to gain a shock if you like.
“It will be another good game and tough game.”
Bolder’s most recent signing came from Hall Road in striker Richard Medcalf and the Ferriby boss hinted of further signings to come.
“We’re always looking to improve,” he said.
“We went for him a couple of months and it didn’t happen but then he came available.
“We always want to add competition for places and we’re always on the lookout for players.
“I’m sure that won’t be the end of it in terms of players coming in and players leaving.
“That’s what you have got to do if you want to keep that momentum going and the fierce competition for places going.”