E-mail Article Print this story

Related Links

Alfreton Town v Workington

Alfreton Town hitman Liam Hearn is confident that his side can make their first-leg lead against Workington count as they look to advance to the Blue Square North play-off final.

The striker scored the only goal of the game as his side beat Workington 1-0 at Borough Park on Wednesday and he believes that his team-mates will finish the job at the Impact Arena on Sunday.

"It's ours to lose now," he told This is Derbyshire.

"It was a massive result for us and the lads were buzzing afterwards.

"We know it's only half-time in the tie and we've still got a lot of work to do.

"But we've got the upper hand and I think that if we work hard and play well at our place, we should go through.

"It is ours to lose now.

"We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves but I feel we have got a better squad this season and more experience," said the 24-year-old.

"Losing in the play-offs last season was a horrible feeling and I think that will spur us on this time."

"We have made our home into a bit of a fortress this season and will be looking to keep that going this weekend."

Workington have suffered a blow ahead of the encounter with the news that winger Anthony Wright will miss the trip due to personal reasons.

Boss Darren Edmondson told The Times&Star: "It is a blow to lose Anthony.

"He has played a major role in the team this year but there is nothing we can do about it.

"We will still prepare in the same way and one of the lads who didn't feature in the first leg will be called upon to step up to the mark.

"Dan is one of the players that could come in. He has pace to burn and could be a threat to the Alfreton defence.

"We also have Jonny Blake and Adam Main. I will make the decision closer to the time but it is great that we have strength in depth."

With the exception of Wright, Edmondson is likely to stick with the same side that started the first leg

He added: "We have to be positive and stick to our game plan but we need to be smarter when we have the ball.

"We didn't get into any kind of rhythm on Wednesday and now we have to go out and get a result.

"We're the ones chasing the game so we have to attack but we can't leave our defence stranded when Alfreton counter.

"It's going to be tough but we are not quitters. We know we can do this and we'll be giving it a damn good go."