AFC Emley boss Darren Hepworth has given the thumbs-up to promotion play-offs in the Northern Counties East League – but says going up to the Premier Division that way is Plan B!
Clubs have voted to increase the number moving from Division I to the top flight from two to three. The two automatic promotion places will remain while the sides finishing third to sixth will take part in the play-offs.
Emley finished fifth last season and are gearing up for their 10th NCEL Division I campaign in succession.
“Pleased NCEL voted in play-offs – that’s Plan B,” tweeted Hepworth, in charge since November 2010.
The former Cumberworth boss led Emley to their best-ever points tally of 84 last term.
Pre-season training has already begun, with the friendly schedule including a home game against Huddersfield Town Under 21s on Wednesday, July 22 (7.30).
Meanwhile Emley, who will be skippered by Michael Tunnacliffe, will visit Hemsworth Miners Welfare in the first round of the League Cup.
First round (winners get bye to third round unless stated): Glasshoughton Welfare v Lincoln Moorlands Railway, Hemsworth MW v AFC Emley (winners at home to Liversedge in second round), Shirebrook v Dronfield, Teversal v Hull United, Westella VIP v Selby Town, Yorkshire Amateur v Hall Road Rangers
Second round: Albion Sports v Nostell MW, Athersley v Penistone Church, Barton Town OB v Rossington Main, Hemsworth MW or AFC Emley v Liversedge, Winterton Rangers v Pontefract Colls, Worsbrough Bridge v Brigg.
