Blackstones travel to Retford United in the United Counties League Division One play-off semi-final

Co-boss Jon Harrison wants his Blackstones side to take inspiration from the exploits of Peterborough United as they head into the play-offs this weekend.

The Stamford side face a tough test in their United Counties League Division One semi-final showdown against Retford United on Saturday.

They have already suffered back-to-back league losses against their Nottinghamshire hosts in the league meetings this season.

But Harrison and joint manager Ryan Wood want their side to look at what professional neighbours Peterborough recently achieved in their Football League Trophy final as motivation for Saturday's match.

The Posh defied the odds to run out 2-0 winners against League One champions Birmingham City in the final at Wembley Stadium.

Harrison said: "You only have to look at what Posh did and that's your little inspiration.

"The hard work has been done in getting us into the play-offs and we've now got a maximum of two games where there will be no pressure on us from our side.

"The pressure will be on the sides expected to win it so we can go there and just give a good account of ourselves.

"We know 100 percent that, on our day, we're good enough to beat anybody in the league.

"We've just got to hope that it falls on one of those days."

Reaching the play-offs is the culmination of three seasons of progress for Harrison and Wood following their arrival from Peterborough League side Netherton United.

The duo also achieved the same steady rise with their previous club before moving on to the higher level.

Harrison explained: "We've always had this belief that if you're improving your side then you've got good value in your management.

"We did the same at Netherton where we kept improving our league position each season and reaching cup finals before winning the quadruple.

"One of our greatest achievements since coming to Blackstones has been stablising the club in our first season and then setting up the Under 18s the next year.

"They have been huge for the club and we've now got a young team which is only going to improve as they get older."

Stones completed their regular campaign over the weekend with matches against Clay Cross Town and Holwell Sports.

They went down to a 1-0 away loss at Clay Cross on Saturday as a first half goal from Lewis Macaskill clinched the Division One title for their Derbyshire hosts.

Stones then returned to winning ways on Easter Monday with a 3-1 home success over Holwell Sports.

All of their goals came in the opening period with Harry Peasgood giving them a 10th minute lead.

Two quick-fire goals from Eddie Grunsteins and Jamie Short then gave Stones control of the contest before Devante Ramsey pulled a goal back for Holwell after the break.

Uppingham Town goalkeeper Tom Hubbard featured for Stones to protect regular number one Max Peverell from injury ahead of Saturday's play-off.

Kieran Duffy-Weekes also featured again following his return to the club for the end of the campaign after making the switch in the summer to join Stamford Bels who he helped win the Peterborough League Division One title.

Harrison said: "Kieran's an extra bonus at this stage of the season and it's great to have him back around the place.

"The lads and everyone around the club love him."