EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division
Wakefield AFC have come from absolutely nowhere to be on the brink of winning the title and even manager Gabe Mozzini has been blown away by his side’s achievements since January.
Step 6 hopefuls Wakefield are set for a fairytale ending and victory tomorrow over Oughtibridge at home all but seal the crown because of their superior goals difference.
Wakey were in no man’s land in January when then-London-based Brazilian-American coach Mozzini was handed the keys to his first job in men’s football.
Even a top five finish – a necessity for promotion – looked doubtful.
However, 13 wins and two draws later, Wakefield are closing in on glory.
“When I took over, I was told we had the best players in the league,” Mozzini told Non League Yorkshire.
“But, in my first week I wasn’t sure (if we could win the league) so it is a surprise (that we are close to winning the title), myself included.
“(When I took over) the main objective was to get into the top five and the challenging objective was to be top three.
“To be in a position to be fighting for the title is amazing.”
Whilst excitement levels have risen to unprecedented levels, Mozzini has cautioned that the job is still not done.
Failure to beat in-form Oughtibridge will reopen the door for Swinton Athletic and Dodworth Miners Welfare.
“Two games and if we win one, because of the goals difference we have, we have got the title,” he said.
“But we have two tough games.
“In the last nine games, Oughtibridge have won eight and drawn one and Dodworth are one of the best sides in the league.
“So that’s two big challenges at home.
“If we draw or lose (against Oughtibridge) though, it means we have to win the last game (against Dodworth).”
Wakefield are hoping to break the 500 barrier for the huge battle with Oughtibridge and Mozzini is calling on the club’s supporters to turn out in force.
“I feel I’m in a privileged position because the players are really good,” he said.
“We have some amazing players and I hope the fans show up in the next two games because we need their support.
“I hope there’ll be a big crowd in the hundreds.
“If we win (tomorrow) and Dodworth win, the league can’t announce us as champions until we play them because they could still technically better our goals difference.
“But if we win there’ll be a big party, but there’ll be another party at the Dodworth game.”
Wakefield head into Saturday on the back of the 2-0 win at a packed Wombwell Main on Bank Holiday Monday.
Jake Morrison’s fortunate long range strike and James Morris’ second half goal earned the precious three points.
“I think it was deserved,” Mozzini said.
“They are a young and quick side and they controlled the game for a big part of it.
“I felt they tired and we didn’t.
“We had a bit of luck with the first goal and there was a call for a penalty kick (to Wombwell) at the beginning of the game.
“If the referee had given the penalty kick we’d have been in trouble.”