Toolstation NCEL Division One
Rossington Main are on the brink of sealing a play-offs spot and Ben Hunter says it would be a fantastic achievement if his underdogs can finish in the top five.
Victory at Worsbrough Bridge will clinch a play-offs place for Rossington, who have already secured the club’s highest ever league standing.
“It is not just on-the-field, there has been a lot of great work off-the-field,” Hunter told Non League Yorkshire.
“If you look at the clubs who are in the play-offs, Ferriby, Brigg, Harrogate, they have big histories in the game.
“We have never been where we are and we’re in illustrious company so I believe we’re punching above our weight.
“So in terms of achievement it is a really big one but it is not for me to say as manager.
“But I don’t think anyone expected us to be in this position so I think that is what makes it sweeter.
“We still have a job to do but we’re controlling our own destiny now.
“Selby missed out on promotion a couple of years so they’re always expecting to be up there whereas we are a turn up for the books.”
Rossington placed themselves in this position after Brad Grayson’s ‘worldie’ in the last minute at Harrogate Railway in midweek – a game Hunter said his men deserved to win.
“It was an unbelievable finish (from Grayson) and I think we deserved the three points on balance,” he said.
“I think our ‘keeper has had to make one save and one very good save at that.
“We grafted our socks off from minute one and I felt we were good value for it.
“It wasn’t just about the three points, it was about keeping the momentum going and trying to get into the final play-offs position.
“We still have a job to do but (Tuesday night) was a massive three points.
“Ultimately we have a lot of work to do and we have a really tough game against Worsbrough and we need to get another three points.
“It is in our hands and I couldn’t be prouder at the minute of the lads.”
Grayson is a recent signing from NPL Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity.
To some, he will be seen as heavy duty capture due to the significant drop in levels, but Hunter says his striker is not playing for Rossington for financially-motivated reasons.
“Ultimately it has been a necessity (to bring players in),” he said.
“If you look at the team-sheet on Tuesday, we only had one sub who was fit to play.
“I have had to play in the last few weeks.
“We were fortunate in getting Brad in.
“He’s a good friend of mine and he couldn’t do the travelling in that league because of personal reasons so he’s come to help us out.
“You’re going to need to pull on contacts wherever league you’re in.
“It is a favour.
“Unfortunately we don’t have the benefit of a chequebook so we have people who want to be here.”