Campion AFC prepare for play-off battle with Albion Sports

Having finished 2nd and 5th respectively, both teams have the chance to seal promotion to the Northern Premier League, which would represent a gargantuan achievement for both clubs.

As for Campion, the result of going up would mean that they would have secured back-to-back promotions, and joint-manager Lee Ashforth admitted that achieving that feat would be a remarkable accomplishment for the club.

He said: “After the success of last year, we believed we could compete in the NCEL Premier Division, and we’ve certainly done that.

“We set high targets at the start of the season to reach the play-offs; that’s what me and James are about, as we don’t want to coast along and not compete for things.

“To finish 2nd in the division, however, is a remarkable achievement and we fully intend to make it a successful end to the season.”

Ashforth added: “Achieving back-to-back promotions would be amazing for everyone involved at the club, but Saturday is our first focus, and we intend to take each of our remaining games as they come.”

Lee Ashforth (centre) and his fellow joint-manager James Bicknell (left) have had a remarkable season with Campion (Image: Martin Taylor)

Campion come into this semi-final as slight favourites having finished higher out of the two clubs, but Ashforth has warned his side that form goes out of the window when it comes to knockout football.

He said: “It’s a 50/50 contest and it’s anyone’s game.

“Both sides will be determined to get into the final, both sides will have their best teams out and both sides will be willing to put the hard work in for 90 minutes, and extra-time if it comes to it.

“What I can say is that we are prepared, and we have a fully fit squad to select from.

“It’s a game that as coaching staff and players we are excited for, and we are all eager to get the victory.”

Not only is there a play-off semi-final to be contested tomorrow afternoon, but it’s another Bradford derby between two fierce rivals.

Giving his thoughts on the added incentive of beating another local side, Ashforth said: “I think the hype of a semi-final will always be there and fall into place naturally.

“Rivalries and derbies add something else but because of the magnitude of this game anyway, I think the players will be up for it.

“I do believe, though, that because a lot of the players have either played for both sides or know each other locally, there could be that added incentive to get one over on each other.

“But for me, personally, it’s business as usual and I’ll be doing my best to coach a victory along with James (Bicknell/joint-manager).”

Given Campion finished 2nd and Albion ended the season in 5th, the former will host the game tomorrow at the Players Cars Stadium in a bid to reach the final.

Kick-off gets underway at 3pm, so if free, try and attend what will be an exciting fixture.