Defender Jack Armer has had one heck of a season, with his performances rewarded with a start in every league game – the only outfield player to achieve that landmark.
But, as with the other players, everything before is being swept aside with full concentration on Saturday’s second leg meeting with Bradford.
“Sunday’s game was really good to play in,” he told us. “Obviously there were a lot of fans there and the atmosphere was bouncing. We’re expecting it to be the same on Saturday at our place.
“This is my first play-off experience and hopefully it won’t be the last. It’d be nice to go out there and get the job done on Saturday so that we get through to Wembley.
“We certainly think we can do it, especially after the way we reacted when we went behind. I think we were a bit nervy for the first half an hour but after we conceded it seemed to help us, and I thought we were the better side from then until the end of the game.
“We had a few chances and it felt like we were just waiting to score the goal really. As the game went on I think we got the ball down more and started to switch it quicker, which caused them problems.
“The first 20 minutes it was more sort of just back and forward and they were getting it into Andy Cook. That’s the way they want to play with runners off him, but as soon as we got it down and started switching the play I think we opened them up a lot more.”
“The way played puts us in good stead for Saturday,” he continued. “With them coming here our home record is good, and a lot of people don’t like coming to Brunton Park.
“I don’t think the one goal is that much of an advantage, to be honest, and if anything it puts us more on the front foot because it means we have to go out and actually do something about the game.”
On playing in front of packed out stadiums, he told us: “It was a buzz walking out there on Sunday and it should be the same up here.
“I’ve got a few family and mates coming up and it would be nice to go and celebrate with them afterwards.
“Like I say, we know there’s a job to be done. We have to score at least one goal and hopefully, if we get one, the rest will come for us as well.”
And it goes without saying that it would mean a lot to round all of the hard work off with a successful conclusion.
“For a lot of people it might be money or obviously playing in a better league that drives them on, but I’d quite like a good summer with a promotion under my belt, to be honest.”
We definitely can’t disagree with that.
