South Liverpool FC face an away trip to Atherton Laburnum Rovers in the North West Counties Football League First Division North play-off semi-final on Saturday.
Martin Ryman’s side secured their top-five spot with a dramatic 4-3 win away from home at relegated AFC Blackpool last Saturday, courtesy of Adam Beardsworth’s 92nd minute winner.
Meanwhile, this weekend’s opponents Atherton LR are play-off favourites after finishing second in the league, but head into the clash after losing 2-0 to Bacup Borough on Tuesday night.
The two sides have a mixed head-to-head record this campaign, after South claimed victory away from home at LR’s Crilly Park back in August, as Elliot Owen’s 96th minute goal secured the three points for Ryman’s men.
But in their most recent meeting, back in January, Dave Jones’ side won 2-0 at Jericho Lane, with strikes from Connor Ikin and Cal Hunter either side of half-time.
South can be confident heading into the play-offs, after winning three of their last four games, while LR have tasted defeat in just one of their last six matches.
If the Liverpool outfit are able to fend off a strong Atherton side, they will face either Euxton Villa or Ashton Town in the play-off final, who also play their semi-final clash on Saturday.
After FC St Helens were crowned First Division North champions, South Liverpool have the opportunity to become the second team from Merseyside to earn promotion from the tenth tier to the NWCFL Premier Division this campaign.
But LR will be keen to spoil the party, with Jones eager to win promotion in his first season as a manager at NWCFL level.
