ROAD TO WEMBLEY
BUILD-UP TO THE PLAY-OFFS
UPBEAT Boston United manager Craig Elliott is relishing the chance to write a happy ending at York Street – even if it is behind closed doors.
The Pilgrims boss feared a 3-0 home reverse against Gateshead in National League North in late February would turn out to be the club’s last match at their famous old home.
The coronavirus crisis took hold soon after and it later appeared the play-offs would bite the dust. However, the clubs rallied round to keep their promotion dreams alive and the playoffs are now set to go ahead.
Boston, who climbed a place to third on points per game, are set to face the winners of the Brackley Town v Gateshead qualifier in the semi-finals on the weekend of July 25/26.
If they win that, there is the possibility of another match at York Street, depending on the result of York’s semi-final against either Altrincham or Chester.
Former Shaw Lane boss Elliott told The NLP: “A few months ago I felt we had played our last home game and it was something that bugged me for a long time.
“Now we have an opportunity to change that. We have one game, and hopefully two, to add to the York Street story and rewrite some history. Hopefully we can look back in the future with fond memories, even if it is behind closed doors.”
Flexibility
Elliott’s focus is now on preparing his side as best he can for the challenge ahead. One plus was that the opening round of Covid-19 tests on his squad all came back negative. Training, meanwhile, started on Tuesday night.
“It was good to see everyone get back out there, even though it was just stage one with small groups,” he said. “It was different because we had to follow all the government protocols, but it went really well.
“As a part-time club, we are under no illusions – we’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Three or four months without football has been difficult for the players.
“We’ll try to get in as many training sessions as we can and be as competitive as possible. We have to fit in a lot of fitness and tactical work.
“Brackley or Gateshead will be a bit more battle-hardened after their match, but it is what it is.”
That pragmatic approach fits the bill after the ups and downs of the last few months.
“It’s been quite a testing time,” admitted Elliott, who took the Boston reins in late 2017. “Initially you enjoy a breather and spending time with your family.
“However, there were mixed messages about the season ending, the play-offs were on and off.
“Mentally, it’s been quite difficult. As a manager, you’re also looking at next season when you haven’t finished this one.
“I’m just really grateful that we can concentrate on the next three or four weeks and give it the best we can. All the NonLeague family has come together to make things happen and it’s great that promotion will be decided on the pitch rather than by any other means.”
If Boston can win the playoffs and join champions King’s Lynn in the National League next season, it would be a great way to kick off life at their new Community Stadium, alongside the A16.
Elliott had a sneak preview of the club’s new home last Saturday and liked what he saw.
He added: “It was the first time I’d been there since September and it’s really come on – it looks amazing and ready for the Football League.
“Being able to walk around the dressing rooms and get a feel for it gives you a buzz in what has generally been a really negative period.
“If we are lucky enough to get promoted, it will need to be a quick turnaround and get prepared. In an ideal world, it would be different, but we’re not in an ideal world. There’s always got to be imagination and flexibility.”