Darren Hepworth marks his 250th match as AFC Emley manager accepting promotion chances are slim but insisting he is more determined than ever to deliver success at the Welfare Ground.

The Huddersfield side, who were 3-2 winners at Worsbrough Bridge on Thursday and now host Selby Town, are third in the Northern Counties East League First Division.

But with only two going up, leaders Pontefract Collieries have five more points and a game in hand while Clipstone are a point better off with two games in hand.

“We’ll keep going right to the end and aim to get maximum points and hope other results go our way,” said Hepworth. “But being realistic, you have to accept that we are unlikely to finish in the top two, and that’s obviously disappointing.”

Hepworth, who cut his managerial teeth with District League Cumberworth, was Emley’s reserve manager before replacing Darren Bland in the top job in November 2010.

The club, formed in 2005, have already amassed their best-ever points tally and will better their highest final placing of seventh two seasons ago.

Hepworth has already agreed to remain at the helm next season and added: “We have to take the positives from this campaign and build on them.

“Both our Under 19 and development teams have won their leagues this season, so we have very solid foundations.

“And while I don’t have any regrets, because the players have given their all, there are things I have learned and will act on.”