“IT'S the last thing I’ll think about before I sleep and the first on my mind when I wake up.”

Rob Hopley, Witton Albion’s talismanic front man, is focused only on one objective – delivering promotion.

His side take on Spalding United at Wincham Park tomorrow in a play-offs final.

A reward for the victors is a place in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight next term.

And the 32-year-old know what it takes to get there.

He was part of a Colwyn Bay side that beat Lancaster City six years ago to make the same step.

They repeated the trick the following season, this time edging out FC United of Manchester, to reach National League North.

The Winsford-based striker is desperate to savour that sensation again.

He said: “We’ve got to do it.

“It will be really disappointing if we don’t. We’ve battled so hard, and finished so far ahead of everybody else in the top five.

“I won’t feel nervous, that’s not in my nature.

“I’m usually pretty laid back, and that won’t change on Saturday.

"If there’s pressure on us, I don’t feel it.”

He scored a decisive goal against AFC Rushden & Diamonds in a slender, but thoroughly merited, semi-finals success on Tuesday.

Witton’s players trained last night, then ate together ahead of their most important game of the campaign.

They handled expectation they would see off Diamonds with the minimum of fuss.

Hopley said: “There’s a bit more riding on this one, but you wouldn’t realise that in the dressing room.

“We’re never over-confident, and we’ll just go out and play our game – do what we’re good at.

“I think we’ve proven time and again how strong we are.

“After every setback, we’ve recovered to win the next game.

“The team spirit reminds me of those Bay sides I played in; there are talented guys here, of course, but that will to win is what’s most impressive.

“The gaffer and his assistant recognised that last season, and the likes of Anthony Brown and Paul Williams have changed the dynamic.

“They’re leaders, winners too, and they’ve come to terms quickly with what playing for Witton means.

“We stick together, and that’s been powerful.”

Hopley’s goal in midweek, his 26th of the season, underlined his importance.

He now has 47 in 73 appearances since moving closer to home, from north Wales, in November 2015.

The front man was brave, stretching to reach Anthony Gardner’s pass over Rushden’s defence, to steer a deft finish past goalkeeper Matt Finlay.

The visitors’ custodian flattened him with a heavy impact, meaning Hopley was flat on his back – and winded – when the ball crept into the net.

“I didn’t see it,” he laughed.

“I heard the roar though.

“It was one of those where I knew I’d scored the moment I touched the ball.”

Northwich Guardian:

Rob Hopley guides the ball past goalkeeper Matt Finlay to secure victory for Witton Albion against AFC Rushden & Diamonds in midweek. Picture: Keith Clayton

While there were celebrations on hearing the final whistle, they were contained.

Manager Carl Macauley has already said he will only define the season as a success if Witton are promoted.

After finishing 17 points clear of tomorrow’s opponents, and amassing the highest points total for a runner-up since Division One South was formed in 2007, some will argue they ought to be as well.

Hopley added: “There is still work to do.

“We have a fantastic home record, and feel good there – Spalding will be conscious of that.

“I expect us to take the initiative, and to be pressing hard, but they’ll make it tough for us.

“It was cagey for the first half an hour on Tuesday, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Saturday’s game is similar.

“We know what we have to do, and we’ll have a big crowd supporting us – a few from Winsford are coming over too.

“I’m excited, it’s why you play isn’t it?”