Chorley face Bradford Park Avenue tomorrow in the final game of the NPL Premier Division season knowing that victory will guarantee a home tie in the play-offs final – should they progress.
The Magpies are already assured of their play-off place – and a home tie in the semi-finals – but a win at Victory Park tomorrow will see them leapfrog over Bradford into third place.
With second-placed Northwich Victoria set to be expelled from the league at the end of the season and banned from entering the play-offs after being found guilty of contravening financial rules, Chorley will have the major advantage of playing their play-off matches in front of their own supporters – so long as they win tomorrow.
Garry Flitcroft’s men enter this crucial part of the season not in the best of form, however.
They were beaten on Saturday 1-0 by Nantwich Town and then followed that with a 2-0 loss to champions Chester on Wednesday.
Flitcroft also has injury concerns over midfield maestro Jamie Vermiglio and striker Ciaran Kilheeney.
Vermiglio was only able to take his place on the bench on Wednesday, while Kilheeney missed the match altogether.
Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Kendal Town will look to end their season with a win at Stocksbrige Park Steels after enduring a wretched recent run.
Lee Ashcroft’s men have won one and lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Relegated Burscough, who held play-off chasing FC United of Manchester to a 1-1 draw in midweek, play their final match at this level for at least a season when they host Chasetown at Victoria Park.
In the First Division North, Bamber Bridge bring a difficult season to a close tomorrow at Ossett Albion.
Neil Crowe’s men still have a chance of finishing the season in the top 10.
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