By John Baron
Farsley Celtic gaffer Clayton Donaldson is looking at the next two home games as an opportunity to start climbing the table.
The Celts entertain play-off hopefuls Alfreton Town at the Citadel tomorrow, followed by a home game against Warrington on Tuesday – and the squad will be boosted by the return of Harry Sheridan from a month-long loan deal at Liversedge following a serious injury which has kept him out since September.
And forward Darren Stephenson could also return to the matchday squad for the first time since sustaining an injury in November.
“It’s good to have players returning to the squad as we enter the run in. Darren has been in full training for three or four weeks now and he’s in contention to return to the squad. Obviously he lacks match fitness so we need to be careful how we use him but it’s good ti have him back.
“Harry Sheridan’s loan spell has finished and he’s in contention too. We need everybody fighting fit for the final ten games or so.”
The Celts come into the game in 16th place, some six points from the drop zone and 11 off the playoffs with ten games remaining.
“We are still in a good position compared to the teams below us and we’re still positive,” the gaffer said. “We treat every game as being important and we try to get three points in every game. We just have to keep giving 100% and results will come.
“Tomorrow will be a physical game, with lots of long balls and long throws. I think they’ve won the most aerial duels in the league, which tells you something about their approach. They’re similar to us in some respects, we’re both physical teams, so we will need to win our duels and be competitive.
“You always want your home ground to be a fortress and I view the next two games as a good opportunity to get some points on the board.”
Clayton also paid tribute to club captain Chris Atkinson, who tomorrow will make his 311th appearance for The Celts – a record since the club reformed in 2010.
“Chris is very important to this team and has been in great form at the back for us this season. 311 appearances is a great achievement by any player. Let’s hope tomorrow is a good day all round and we all celebrate together with three points.”
Team news
The Celts could be boosted by the return of Harry Sheridan and Darren Stephenson to the first team squad. Isaac Assenso has trained this week following a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to feature tomorrow.
Ticket news & supporters’ information
All the important supporter information for the clash – including admission prices and parking – can be found here.