Sport

Non-league Matters: Play-off place, not opposition, only important to Trafford boss Garry Vaughan

By Ross McLean

Shawe View boss Garry Vaughan is unconcerned with potential play-off opponents as Trafford search for the three points needed to secure a shot at promotion.

The Flixton-based club travel to Ramsbottom United this weekend before finishing the season with a home game against Clitheroe, with one win enough to cement a play-off place.

And while a second or third-place finish would guarantee a home play-off semi-final, Vaughan is solely interested in making sure his players finish in the top five.

“As long as we get in the play-offs I don’t really care who we play,” he said.

“The lads are a big game team – they seem to rise to the occasion and when we come up against the top teams they seem to perform.

“So I’m not worried about anyone. If we get in the play-offs I will be absolutely delighted.”

Trafford head to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on the back of a commanding midweek win at Ossett Town.

And Vaughan – who made over 300 appearances for the club during the 1990s – was full of praise for his side after a couple of disappointing home results.

“Ossett is a difficult place to go and the pitch is not the best,” he added.

“But it was one of the best performances since the turn of the year.

“The lads came out, battled, pressed and scored four quality goals so I was very pleased and morale in the dressing room was lifted.

Saturday’s opponents Rammy are also in the promotion mix as they bid for a second consecutive promotion after being crowned North West Counties Premier Division champions last year.

And Vaughan is eager to put the play-off issue to bed as soon as possible to avoid any last-day mishaps as the campaign comes to a close.

“Ramsbottom is a big game and we are looking for maximum points from our remaining games,” he said.

“They’ve had a little dip as have we but we are a footballing team and happy to be going there.

“We are looking for maximum points and if we can get them we will get that play-off place and that’s all that matters.”

Non-League Round-up

Altrincham host already relegated Droylsden at Moss Lane in the final league game of the season, needing a win to secure fourth spot in the Blue Square Bet North.

Carl Rodgers and Danny Boshell are fitness concerns for Lee Sinnott although Nicky Clee is in line for a return after successfully completing training on Thursday.

Should Sinnott’s side be victorious they will be rewarded with a home play-off tie against Brackley Town on Tuesday before the return the leg the following Saturday.

Alternatively, should the Robins finish fifth, they will face Guiseley with the home game first.

Stalybridge Celtic meanwhile travel to Halifax Town, on the back of a 2-2 draw with Oxford City on Thursday.

Celtic led through strikes from Mark Pepper and Adam Pepper but two goals in the final five minutes denied Jim Harvey’s side the win.

FC United of Manchester are guaranteed a place in the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-offs after their midweek win over Ashton United.

Karl Marginson’s side travel to Rushall Olympic this weekend – who the Red Rebels may well come up against in the play-offs.

Ashton United host Whitby Town in a typical end of season dead rubber with both teams stranded in mid-table.

In Evo-Stik League Division One North, Mossley travel to Harrogate Railway Athletic while New Mills head to Clitheroe looking to cement play-off spots.

Curzon Ashton and Salford City are at Burscough and Ossett Town respectively while Radcliffe Borough host champions Skelmersdale United.

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