The Evo-Stik League season is complete, and for the first time since Ossett Town entered the Northern Premier League the games are not over as the Reds have achieved a play-off place thanks to a hugely impressive final position of fourth place.
After a number of years in the lower half of the table and a flirtation with the drop last time out, even a top half finish would have been a notable achievement, but the last 42 games have simple exceeded expectations tenfold.

It could have been even better but for a disallowed goal on Saturday, as it was a 90th minute equaliser by Trafford at Ingfield saw Town held to a 1-1 draw in the final game, a victory would have given Ossett Town a home tie in the one legged play off semi-final, as it is an away game at Scarborough is the reward for the gruelling season.

An away game, however, will not phase Grant Black and his side as Town have been the model of consistency, earning just one point less on the road than was achieved at Ingfield.

Ossett Town finished the season unbeaten in seven games, picking up four victories whilst Scarborough, since the sad loss of their Chairman in February have drawn twice and are now on a run of eight consecutive victories.

The two sides shared an emotional goalless draw on 21 February, the day Scarborough mourned the loss of their Chairman David Holland, whilst back at Ingfield in November Ossett Town triumphed 4-2 thanks to a brace from captain Alex Peterson that was sandwiched between Danny Frost opening the scoring and centre back Tyrone Gay sealing the victory.

Grant Black admits it has been a nervous few weeks saying “with there being so many teams in with a shout of the play-offs we knew any defeat in recent weeks would have meant we would likely miss out. After Easter Monday at Farsley Celtic we thought we had done it then Scarborough scored late on meaning we still needed a point, I think it made it sweeter for the lads and their reaction was a release of that”.

Black continues “I have seen some clubs in particular saying the reaction was over the top but I disagree, we enjoyed the moment and we are by no means happy with just getting in the play-offs. We now want to finish the job”.

“We go into Tuesday full of confidence and excitement with a full strength squad for what is going to be a tough test but one we are relishing against a team who deserve huge credit for getting in the play-offs with such a great finish to the season”

“It is set up for a bumper battle with a massive crowd watching on with as many Ossett Town Backslappers as we can get there to cheer on the boys”

Scarborough Athletic, who with eight consecutive victories and zero goals conceded in them games are led by former Ossett Town, Guiseley and AFC Telford manager Steve Kittrick and former Ossett Town assistant manager Dave Merris is in their playing ranks, whilst Ossett Town’s Steve Ridley and Alex Peterson will be facing their former club.

The semi-final, which will be played to a conclusion on Tuesday night will see the winners play a one of game for promotion on Saturday against either runners up Farsley Celtic or fifth place Colne.

Should Farsley Celtic be successful the final will be played at their Throstle Nest ground, a side Ossett Town have done the double over this season, where as a Colne victory will see either Ossett Town or Scarborough Athletic host the final.

Ossett Town have met Colne on just two occasions, both this season, and will be looking for revenge as the Lancashire side won both encounters 2-1.

Black finished off by paying credit to Saturdays opponents Trafford, who, had they won at Infield would have pipped the Reds to a promotion opportunity “I’d like to say Trafford deserve a lot of respect for their reaction at full time; their manager, my good friend Tom Baker, came in and shook all the lads hands and wished us well despite their own disappointment, as did their club officials. Massive respect, they’re a classy club and fans”