Non-League: Harrogate embracing semi-final showdown

Simon Weaver’s men can take encouragement from the fact that they completed a league double over their play-off opponents this season, winning 4-1 and 1-0 in a league campaign that saw them finish as the division’s top scorers.

And despite having to end their impressive campaign with a difficult play-off task, Weaver has insisted that his side’s future is bright regardless of the result, after they were recently awarded planning permission to develop their ground.

“It just gives everyone a lift before the play-offs,” said Weaver

“We’re looking to go up. If it’s this season it caps off a memorable season, but if it’s not, no one will go home sulking. We’re still on this journey together and we aim to make it a better facility for players and supporters alike.”

Meanwhile, Bradfrod Park Avenue’s recovery back into the play-off places continues on Sunday, after their impressive 2-0 victory against Kidderminster Harriers sees them heading to Brackley Town for the play-off semi-finals.

“I don’t think anyone can believe we’re in this position” said manager Mark Bower, “but we’re here, we’ll go for as long as possible and we’ll look forward to it.”

Elsewhere, Farsley Celtic’s dreams of a second successive promotion were officially ended on Tuesday after they were beaten 2-1 in the first Evo-Stik Premier elimination match by Ashton United.

However, the final whistle brought both despair and pride for Adam Lakeland’s men after what had been a long and hard-fought promotion campaign.

“Working with Adam and his team over this season has been a pleasure,” said Farsley chief executive Josh Greaves. “What Adam and Mark (Bett) have brought to the club over the last 12 months is something that I have not seen at the club for a few years; passion, pride and professionalism ... Hopefully there is a lot more to come.”

Despite still having a fixture list to complete, NCEL Premier Division champions Pontefract Collieries will continue their title celebrations tomorrow at Athersley Recreation, as they look to cap off a dominant league campaign with a victory at Sheerien Park.

Meanwhile their promotion rivals, Pickering Town, travel to Hall Road Rangers, while Liversedge look for a top-half finish to their season when they host Albion Sports.

Equally dominant in Division One are champions Knaresborough Town, with their title-winning campaign now wrapped up as they await life in the Premier Division.

A stunning finish to the league campaign also sees Yorkshire Amateur join them in the second promotion spot after winning all of their final seven league games to storm their way to promotion to the Premier Division and overcome their mid-season blip.