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Blackstones are heading for the play-offs in Division One of the United Counties League




Joint manager Jon Harrison has hailed a great achievement for his Blackstones side after virtually securing a play-off place.

The Stamford side looked guaranteed for a top five finish with two games remaining in the United Counties League Division One campaign.

It would take two defeats and an unlikely 26-goal swing to thwart Harrison and co-manager Ryan Wood's target for the season.

Co-managers Jon Harrison and Ryan Wood.
Co-managers Jon Harrison and Ryan Wood.

Harrison said: "The aim was to make the play-offs and it's a great achievement for the whole club to have done it.

"We're only a small club who have worked miracles in terms of getting us as much as they can.

"The club has supported us in everything that they can do and we're done the rest to get there.

"They wanted us to get there but, if we didn't make it, they wouldn't make an issue of it.

"But we've achieved what we set out to do and the club is in a good place going forward and it is continuing to move forward."

Stones look set to finish in fourth place behind the well-backed trio of Clay Cross Town, Retford and Retford United.

Harrison added: "We've almost won the league for the teams without a big budget.

"The top three have pretty much unlimited funds so, when you take them out of the equation, we're currently sitting top of the league for the rest.

"We are already celebrating because realistically, if you forget what I believe we can do, the club has asked us to get them into a position where we can have a shot at the play-offs.

Martin Tudosa has his sights set on a high ball against Coalville. Photo: Darren Wiggins
Martin Tudosa has his sights set on a high ball against Coalville. Photo: Darren Wiggins

"We've got that shot which is all the club dreams of so there is no pressure on us and we can go out and really enjoy it."

Stones virtually secured their play-off spot at the weekend after a 2-0 home win over Coalville Town.

Jamie Short gave them the lead eight minutes before half-time with Will Bestwick securing their success in the second period after the visiting Ravens had twice hit the post.

It ensured a return to winning ways for Stones after a 3-2 defeat at Retford the previous weekend which had hit their play-off push.

Harrison continued: "It's been hard and we thought that we were ridiculously under pressure after we lost at Retford a fortnight ago.

"We were shocking in the second half and all of the teams around us won that day so it almost felt like the world was coming to an end.

"All of a sudden we got to Wednesday and it just screams out to you how the league is when Clipstone and Staveley both dropped points.

"It made it easier for us when it all went for us and then we got a great result at the weekend. The lads played really well."

There was also a vital victory for Blackstones' Under 18s side on Monday night which leaves the destiny of the Northants Youth League title in their own hands.

Josh Barrett in action against Coalville on Saturday. Photo: Darren Wiggins
Josh Barrett in action against Coalville on Saturday. Photo: Darren Wiggins

They won 5-0 away at AFC Rushden and Diamonds and are strongly placed in pole position with two matches remaining.

A number of the youth team players have progressed into the senior ranks this season which has been a big boost to the first team bosses.

Harrison added: "The big success for us is that myself and Ryan started the Under 18s two seasons ago.

"It's been the catalyst and the setting up of the Under 18s has been huge to what we have wanted to achieve."

The youth team are next in action on Thursday night (April 24) when they host Diamonds in the return fixture.

Stones' first team complete their regular league campaign this weekend with a trip to champions-elect Clay Cross on Saturday before hosting Holwell Sports on Monday.

The play-off semi-finals will then take place on Saturday, April 26, with Stones likely to face a trip to Retford United if the current league standings remain the same.



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