Chaddy set for play-off crunch

FOOTBALL: 

CHADDERTON will head to AFC Darwen without fear tonight in what is the Broadway outfit’s biggest game in years.

Chaddy have reached the North-West Counties League First Division play-offs having finished sixth in the table thanks to a 3-0 win at Ashton Town in their final fixture of the regular season.

They must now travel to third-placed Darwen tonight (7.45pm kick-off) for a one-legged shoot-out against a side they have already beaten twice at Anchor Road.

Chaddy were thumped 6-1 at home by Darwen early in the season, but have since triumphed 1-0 in the reverse fixture and 5-3 on their way to the last 32 of the FA Carlsberg Vase competition.

Chaddy joint-boss Mark Cook said: “We know we’re in for a tough old game at Darwen, but as I’ve said many times this season, on our day we are a match for any side in our division.

“We certainly don’t fear anyone, particularly Darwen who we have enjoyed decent results against.

“The players are tired now after a long season and four games in the past week, but they are excited for the play-offs.

“They’re all full of confidence after the recent run of results we’ve had. You can see the determination in their eyes. To be honest we’ve already achieved our goal of reaching the play-offs – anything else from here on in will be a bonus.

“These games can be a lottery at this stage of the season. We just have to try and make sure we’re the side that performs the better of the two tonight.”

Cook has revealed that having a healthy and fit squad has helped in firing Chaddy into the play-offs – the first time the league has introduced the promotion face-offs.

“We have enjoyed a fortunate run in terms of not many players being out through injuries,” Cook said.

“There’s been a lot of competition for places and that has helped every player lift their game.”

Should Chaddy get past Darwen – via extra-time and penalties if necessary – they will then face an away trip to either Hanley Town or Holker Old Boys in the play-off final on Saturday.