Toolstation NCEL Division One
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards
Ian Richards admits that it is a big ten days for Penistone Church, who face Glasshoughton Welfare in the League Cup semi-final tonight.
Penistone meet Glasshoughton to decide who is going to Bramall Lane before the play-offs semi-final tie next week.
“When you get to a semi-final and the chance of getting to Bramall Lane comes, you want to get there,” Richards told Non League Yorkshire.
“What is really good is whoever wins, you’re going to have an NCEL Division One side in the final. That is credit to the league.
“I think even if missed out on promotion, but got to the final, the committee would see it as a success. It has been our most successful season ever with two semi-final appearances, along with finishing in the top six.
“It is a huge ten days for the club and I’ve told the player that. I want to get to a final in the next ten days and I want to get promoted from this league.
“People at the club will congratulate for getting to two semi-finals and the play-offs, but I’m ambitious and I want to get promoted from this league as well as winning a cup.”
Richards expects a tight affair with Welfare and has told spectators to be prepared for extra-time.
Penistone have already being involved in three epic cup ties this season.
“We’re going to give it 100% and do everything we can do to win it. I think it will be a close game, a single goal could decide it.
“It may go to extra-time and penalties. We have been successful in extra-time three times so we will be mentally prepared.
“I like Glasshoughton and they are one of the three most improved teams and we know it will be a tough game.
“It shows how tough it will be by the fact they beat Hallam in the last round.
“It could be a long night, my wife is used to it when we have a cup game. I’ve told her not to wait up.”