Play-off chasing Scarborough 'confident and fit' ahead of Bulls clash

Hereford fans at Redditch for a pre-season friendly in 2023

Scarborough Athletic manager Jonathan Greening says his side are full of belief as they look to strengthen their National League North play-off push this weekend.

The Seadogs sit sixth on 49 points and are unbeaten in five matches, with last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Curzon Ashton maintaining momentum at the right time of the season. Despite off-field issues that have seen them play their home fixtures in Bridlington, Greening insists there is a positive feel around the squad.

“We’re on a nice unbeaten run at the moment,” he said. “The boys feel confident. They feel fit. There’s a good energy around the place. We’re getting players back fit, so we’re looking forward to the last few games of the season and see if we can get us in the playoffs.”

Scarborough created numerous chances in the first half against Curzon and Greening felt the margin of victory should have been greater.

“Probably should have scored another two or three,” he said. “The keeper’s made an absolute world-class save to stop Rio [Allen]. He’s probably had another three or four attempts. Probably should have had a hat-trick first half.”

With heavy conditions making the second period more of a battle, Greening was pleased with the professionalism his side showed to see the game out.

“The main aim is a clean sheet,” he added. “We’ve got the clean sheet, we’ve got the 1-0, we’ve got the three points, so everyone’s happy.”

Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Redditch to face Hereford, with the Bulls sitting 23rd on 25 points, eight adrift of safety but boosted by Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Darlington.

During the interview last Saturday, Greening admitted he was still awaiting confirmation of the venue but said preparation would remain the same.

“If it’s on a 3G pitch, probably even better for us because our boys are used to it,” he said. "We train on it on a Tuesday and Thursday. We’ll have no complaints about bobbles or heavy pitches if it’s on a 3G pitch.”

Hereford will be hoping for back-to-back wins for the first time in the league this season, with new boss Aaron Downes now having had a training session with his squad - having first met them less than two hours before kick-off on Tuesday.