EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division
Darren Young admits the discombobulating County Senior League campaign has made it hard for him to motivate his title-chasing Dodworth Miners Welfare players.
Dodworth have played just six times since the New Year and Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 win over Wombwell Main was their first match since the 5th February.
“It is very hard motivate people when games are getting called off every week,” Young told Non League Yorkshire.
“It is our job keeping them motivated but it is not easy especially when we have had no cup competitions and a stop-start league season.
“There’s no momentum and you’re starting again all the time.
“I think we were sloppy and a couple of yards off (against Wombwell) because the break hasn’t done us any good.
“It has been a stop-start season and it showed in the (Wombwell game) more than ever.
“We need a run of games week-in-week-out if are going to be at our best.
“That was nowhere our best.
“We have to be best but the character we showed to get a result when things went against us was great.”
Leaders Swinton hold an eight point lead on third-placed Dodworth who have two games-in-hand.
Young is still hopeful his men can outmanoeuvre the favourites.
“We have always believed and the reason we’re here is because we think we can win the league,” he said.
“Results like Wombwell last Saturday when you look back are championship winning games.
“You look at Sheffield Town and Oughtibridge, down to ten men in both games and we’ve shown character to get the wins.
“We showed character to get the win against Wombwell.
“We were probably lucky to get the win but you need luck if you’re going to win the league.
“The other thing is; you make your own luck and the lads didn’t stop running (against Wombwell).
“When you don’t stop, you get lucky.”