Toolstation NCEL Division One
AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth
AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth believes the introduction of play-offs have given the league a “new lease of life”.
Emley are one of four clubs who will contest the inaugural Division One play-offs next week and Hepworth expects the two semi-finals and final to be great occasions.
“Let’s hope the games get good crowds and irrespective of what happens, it is brilliant of the NCEL to bring the play-offs in,” Hepworth told Non League Yorkshire.
“If you look at the run-in, you have eight or nine teams in the running right until the last few weeks.
“We have had excitement that we have never had before and without it our season would have been dead last week.
“It has brought new interest in the league, giving it a new lease of life and it has kept the interest going for the players.”
Emley will host either Penistone Church or Hallam on Tuesday night for their semi-final.
Star striker Ash Flynn is a major doubt because of a hamstring injury, but Hepworth is confident his side can win promotion.
He said: “I believe in these lads.
“We have a fantastic squad and with the ability in the dressing room we are good enough to get out of this Division.”
Emley visit Knaresborough Town for the final game of the normal season tomorrow.