Play-off heartbreak can inspire Nailers

The Nailers visit Harrison Park in their Evo-Stik League First Division South play-off semi-final (7.45pm), having lost out to Stamford at the same stage a year ago.

"Seven or eight of the players were involved last year, and they know how much it hurts," said Duffield (pictured).

"Hopefully, that will give us an extra incentive.

"It certainly spurs me on and I hope the players feel the same way."

Duffield, who hopes to have a fully fit squad available, saw Halesowen Town clinch the title at Belper on Saturday as the Nailers' eight-game winning run was ended.

"We could have won the game but fair play to Halesowen," he said. "They had a party at the final whistle and now we want a bit of a taste of what they had."

Leek finished seven point ahead of Belper in the table but Duffield's men took four points off them during the regular campaign.

"We drew 1-1 at their place in the league and won 1-0 at our place," added the manager. "They were both very tight games.

"We know they pose a massive threat but they know we pose them a threat too.

"We're not going into the unknown – we've been there before and the two teams know each other very well.

"These are games you should want to play in.

"If you don't, you're in the wrong business."

Source: Derby Telegraph