Worksop: Shaw’s focus is switching to the play-off challenge

Worksop Town manager Mark Shaw is already planning for the play-offs ahead of the Tigers’ final Evo-Stik League game of the season at home to Frickley Athletic tomorrow (Saturday).
Worksop Town manager Mark Shaw has one eye firmly on the Tigers' upcoming play-off gameWorksop Town manager Mark Shaw has one eye firmly on the Tigers' upcoming play-off game
Worksop Town manager Mark Shaw has one eye firmly on the Tigers' upcoming play-off game

The Tigers are assured of the play-offs but cannot now win the league after a goalless draw at Ilkeston on Easter Monday made that a mathematical impossibility.

And Shaw says that means that his mind has to start thinking about the play-offs and who they will be playing.

“We have to be thinking about that now because that’s where we are, we can’t win the league, so it’s the play-offs and who we will play there,” he said.

“It also looks like we are going to be away for the play-offs because I can’t see Fylde losing their last game, which we would need to happen if we are to be third and so be at home for the play-off semi-final.”

As it stands in the Premier Division, fourth-placed Tigers are two points behind Fylde, who finish their season at home to mid-table Kings Lynn.

Fylde, for their part, still have an outside chance of second place as they are only three points behind FC United of Manchester – who finish away at Barwell – and have a better goal-diffrence.

And just add further spice to the mix for the final day, United are still gunning for the title and automatic promotion as they are only a point behind leaders Chorley, who are away to mid-table Buxton.

With Frickley in the bottom four, most would expect Tigers to win their game.

However, Shaw expects the other sides to all win too.

“It’s an interesting end to the season as it’s close but I can’t see Fylde losing for a start so that would mean we would be fourth anyway,” he said.

“I’d love us to be at home for the play-offs, for the fans if nothing else, but realistically, I expect us to be away, on Tuesday night probably at Fylde, maybe at FC United.”

“Either way, that’s a long way to go on a Tuesday night and I can only plead with the fans to come alnog in numbers and continue the fantastic support they have shown us on the road this season.”

“I’ve not seen any away fans at Worksop this season have been as vocal or supportive as our away fans are, they’ve been brilliant and I hope they’ll continue with us for the play-offs.”