Lakeland: County Cup final win has given Farsley momentum

Despite being victorious in the County Cup the Celts are looking to get back to winning ways in the league after their disappointing 2-0 loss on home soil against promotion rivals Witton Albion last time out.

Only three games now remain for fifth-placed Farsley to seal the play-off spot they have fought for all season, with the first match coming tomorrow in a “very difficult” trip to Barwell.

“Obviously, we are delighted to win the final and retain the County Cup.” said Lakeland, “I think it’s really important that as a group we have tasted that first bit of success and hopefully that can help in our remaining league games as we try to secure a play-off place.

“Whilst we will enjoy this moment as a group and I have congratulated the players on achieving our first objective, I have also reminded them that we have bigger games to play and bigger targets in sight and as of Wednesday our entire focus reverts to preparing physically and mentally for a very difficult game at Barwell on Saturday.”

Elsewhere, Tadcaster Albion’s play-off push in the Evo-Stik North lies just one game away from potentially ending, as they face a trip to Atherton Collieries tomorrow where even a victory may not be enough to keep their push alive should sixth-placed Trafford win their match at Goole.

With their league status officially safe, Brighouse Town welcome play-off destined Prescot Cables for a tough home outing, whilst Ossett Town travel to Radcliffe Borough and Ossett Albion also take on a team heading for the play-offs when they host Bamber Bridge.

With the play-offs now looking a strong possibility for Frickley Athletic, the Evo-Stik South top scorers will at least be confident of keeping up their strong form into their final four league games, travelling to a Gresley side now all-but safe from relegation.

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As the tsunami of fixtures towards the business end of the season continues to slowly ebb away, Pontefract Collieries’ next hurdle on the road back to the NCE Premier Division summit comes in the form of West Yorkshire rivals Liversedge.

Despite being safely in mid-table throughout most of the season, Liversedge have proved in the past that they can be more than a match for the league’s top sides, with Pontefract now hoping for no more hiccups as they chase down league leaders AFC Mansfield.

Meanwhile, capturing second spot still remains a strong possibility for third-placed Pickering Town, who look to kick on from their first victory of the month when they host mid-table Bottesford Town. Elsewhere, Garforth Town are seeking their first victory since February when they host Handsworth Parramore, while Harrogate Railway Athletic have a huge chance to convert their recent draws into victories when they travel to rock-bottom and already-relegated Clipstone.

In Division One, Yorkshire Amateur go into the weekend boasting 17 goals in their last three games. But while their form has been strong, this weekend could prove the difference between them grabbing second or having to settle for the play-offs when they travel to dominant division champions Knaresborough Town, who, since easing to the title, have seen a slight dip in form.

Glasshoughton Welfare have just two games left to try and wrap up their play-off spot as they make the trip to rock-bottom Retford United, but they remain firmly in the sights of County Cup finalists Selby Town who travel to Ollerton Town tomorrow.

Elsewhere, AFC Emley have a potentially tough away trip to relegation fighters FC Bolsover, while Nostell Miners Welfare’s last game of the season sees them face Rossington Main.