IT all comes down to this.
Ten months after the hard work started in pre-season, Saturday’s ‘derby’ between Northwich Victoria and 1874 Northwich will determine who is promoted – and who isn’t.
After their semi-final successes at the weekend, the two ‘Greens’ will contest the Midland League Premier Division play-offs final with a place in the Northern Premier League next season at stake.
The winner takes it all, and excitement between the fans will be at fever pitch by the time kick-off arrives at 3pm.
Vics will have home advantage at the Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn, while 1874 have the experience of losing at this stage last year to draw on as added motivation.
History will count for little, nor the fact that 1874 defeated Vics 2-0 in the league at their place, Townfield, earlier this month on Easter Monday.
Come Saturday, it will matter not that Vics finished two places and six points better off than 1874 in the table.
The only numbers that will count on one of the biggest occasions in Northwich football for years will be which team scores the most goals when it matters most.
“We’ve got to see it as just another game, no pressure, and see the job out,” said Kieron Hamm, who came off the bench in the 75th minute and scored the winning spot kick that saw Vics win 5-4 on penalties in their semi-final at AFC Wolverhampton City last Saturday.
Vics assistant manager Jack Turner added: “Exciting. It’s the game everyone wants to be involved in and hopefully one which will bring lots of bodies into the Apec Stadium.”
Chris Herbert knows how much pain was felt by his charges after the play-off final defeat at Shifnal Town last season.
He said: “We’ve been here before. We had experience last time and we don’t want to feel that again so we’ll be up for it.”
Herbert’s side came through a ‘derby’ last weekend when they knocked out Winsford United 4-2 at Barton Stadium and he said afterwards that preparation for another meeting with arch-rivals will be suitably approached.
“We worked hard on Saturday and it was a tough game for us,” he said.
“We’ll rest up for the week and prepare in Thursday night’s training.”
Herbert said 1874 will not have Adam Hughes available after he injured his hamstring and was substituted in the semi-final two minutes after losing Mark Jones, who the manager was a little more cautious about adding that his situation would be assessed through the week.
Tickets, priced £10 for general admission, are still available online for Saturday’s play-off final at Runcorn Linnets’ ground. Visit HERE to place your order.
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