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| EYEING UP PROMOTION Chorley boss Garry Flitcroft |
GARRY Flitcroft believes Chorley’s financial problems have brought the squad closer together ahead of tomorrow’s Evo-Stik Leagie Premier Division play-off semi final, as he looks to avoid becoming the second member of the family to fall victim to an FC United upset.
An all-ticket crowd of almost 4,000 is expected at Victory Park for the clash, with Chorley at home to Bradford Park Avenue or Hednesford in next weekend’s play-off final if they win.
A place in the Blue Square Bet North is the prize for one of the four teams involved in the end-of-season shoot-out.
Chorley have overcome hurdles to make the play-offs, after the Magpies were plunged into crisis earlier the season.
The Magpies finished seven points above FC United but the visitors have relished the tag of underdogs before, securing an FA Cup win last season at Rochdale – where Flitcroft’s brother David was assistant manager.
“My brother was at Rochdale then and FC United are a good side,” said Flitcroft. “But we have only lost three league games at home this season.
“We had to release lads but the players here have stuck by me when they were not being paid. We’ve got a great team spirit and I’ve always said that goes a long way.
“We won both of our home play-off games to get promoted last year and we won the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy at the Reebok Stadium, so the players have done well on the big occasions.”
Tomorrow’s game is all ticket, so tickets must be purchased by 10pm tonight from the club’s office.
By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter
