North West Counties League First Division North
Ash Connor has downplayed the importance of Golcar United’s exciting clash at title favourites and leaders Bury AFC tonight.
Bury and Golcar, the only two sides left with unbeaten records, are set for a memorable showdown in the North West.
The match is quite a milestone for Golcar given the two clubs’ differing journeys.
Giants Bury were reformed out of the debris of fallen Football League side Bury FC while only three years ago Golcar’s totally transformed ground was literally a park pitch.
Connor admits the match will have little say on the title race but agrees it under-lines how far his club have come.
“It is a great game but it is just another game,” Connor told Non League Yorkshire.
“Nothing is going to be won or lost on Tuesday night.
“Our last game of the season is against Bury and we want to be in with a shout (of winning the league) then.
“We’ll be more excited if it is winner takes all at the end of the season.
“We’ll enter the game like every other but it will be a great occasion for the club, a small village club playing against a team that has been formed on the back of an ex-professional team.
“The transformation of the club and where we have travelled from is brilliant and everyone who has contributed to it is looking forward to it.
“I expect a big crowd but our focus is on giving a good account of ourselves and getting a result.
“I’d say we are the underdogs.
“They have a big following and people expect them to go through a few divisions and I’d say the pressure is on them.
“You have to remember where we have come from.
“There’s no big money men around Golcar, we’ve come from amateur football.”
Connor also reiterated his view that Bury are the “favourites” for the title – one he shared in late July.
But he also pointed out that other teams could join the battle for top spot.
“It is early days,” he said.
“There’s 26 games left so there’s loads of football to be played.
“There is us and Bury who have started well but I say it all the time that there is no easy games in our league.
“It sounds cliche but everyone is capable of beating everybody.
“It is going to come down to who is most consistent at the end of the season.
“At the moment it is us and Bury who are the top two who’re unbeaten but it can quickly change.
“We’re grateful for where we are but there’s no-one getting carried away at Golcar.
“People were getting carried away at the start of the season saying we were favourites.
“I don’t think we are, I think Bury are the favourites for the league.
“They were formed on the back of an ex-professional team and they get great crowds and have a great following.
“They’d the ones who are expected to go and win the league.
“We’ll go about our business nice and quietly and see where it takes us.
“We have had a good start and we are pleased with the start that we’ve had.
“We won’t get carried away and we’re taking a game at a time and it is important we maintain our focus and keep going as we are.
“We’ve built a great foundation to build on.
“We’ve got a busy period coming up and yes we are in a good position but we won’t get carried away.”
Golcar have won seven of their ten league games so far this season.
The Huddersfield-based side have scored 28 times in the league.
Unsurprisingly Ash Flynn has scored 16, with 15 coming in the bred and butter of the league.
However, Connor is keen to point out that other players have contributed.
“I think Flynny will admit it himself that we have a good group and we create a lot of chances for him,” he said.
“He has been a great signing for us though and he’s a great lad as well.
“We’re obviously really pleased with what he has offered so far but we’re pleased with everyone else.
“It has been a real team effort.
“Everyone has chipped in.
“Like when I spoke to you in the summer, the lads we have brought in are quality players and players who will hopefully take us to that next level.”