‘We need to win all remaining matches to become champions’
LEEK Town chairman Jon Eeles believes his side will need an unblemished end to the season in their quest to become champions.
Blues have propelled themselves into title contention in the Northern Premier League West Division with a stunning run of form.
They have won nine and drawn one of their last 10 league outings to close the gap to the summit to just three points.
Fourth-placed Leek now have nine matches remaining to try to clinch promotion to the Premier Division.
“I think we will have to win all nine matches to stand a chance of finishing top,” said Eeles.
“That’s a big ask because the competition in this league is so strong. But it can be done.
“The run we’ve been on is
remarkable. We were probably a bit fortunate on Saturday (a 1-0 win at Prescot Cables).
“The pitch and conditions didn’t allow us to play our normal game, but the lads found a way to earn the three points.”
Leek entertain Ramsbottom United on Saturday before a pivotal home clash against Workington the following week. Workington are in title contention, while another side in the hunt, Marine, are Leek’s hosts on the final day of the campaign.
“Workington at home will be a big game and could be pretty decisive,” added Eeles.
“They have not had their wobble yet, while Marine seem to be over their’s now and did well to get a point at Kidsgrove on Saturday with 10 men.
“Warrington Rylands are the ones to watch, but every team has obstacles to overcome.
“The important thing for us is to take it week by week. Neil doesn’t like to look too far into the future, it’s about dealing with the here and now.”
Blues already have a handy cushion in the play-off zone, which would give them a second opportunity to make
the step up if they miss out on the title. But Eeles says there is belief that they can end up as champions.
“People do believe we can do it - they always believe,” explained Eeles.
“After the first month when *we played at Buxton (because
of the pitch project at Harrison Park) and we picked up one point from nine, you think it might be a long, hard season.
“But the players have been tremendous and we knew once we came home that everyone would feel a lot better. I’d say we need two or
three more wins to guarantee a play-off place and with the games we have left you’d hope we would at least do that.”
Leek have also been boosted by the return to fitness of forward Rob Stevenson to enhance their attacking options. Fellow forward Dan
Trickett-smith should also be available for Saturday’s encounter after missing the victory at Prescot with a niggle.
Jack Wakefield is a long-term absentee, but the influential Marc Grocott could play a part in the run-in as he continues to make progress in his recovery.