Salisbury aiming for 'huge' promotion after unifying season
The Whites take on AFC Totton for a place in the National League South
Salisbury FC could gain promotion back to the National League South today (Monday 6th May) if they are victorious in their Southern League Premier play-off final against AFC Totton.
The Whites finished the league campaign third, two points behind Totton, meaning the Hampshire side host today's fixture.
Salisbury defeated Gosport Borough 2-1 on Wednesday with late goals from Josh Hedges and Noah Coppin.
The winners will join Southern Premier League champions Chesham United in the National League South next season.
Salisbury last played at that level in 2014, before the club was demoted for breaching financial rules.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio ahead of the game, Manager Brian Dutton said promotion would be huge for the club.
"I think the football club and the city are ready for it and they crave it," he said, adding: "It's the furthest we've ever been to A to a Southern League playoff final. So ultimately there's a great big carrot dangling in front of us now."
A fearless group aiming for glory
Mr Dutton, who's in his first role as a permanent boss after an interim position with League Two side Walsall, said he's pleased with how the season has gone.
"It's a fantastic group of players who have who have delivered one hell of a season," he said, adding he couldn't have dreamt a better first season in charge, saying "all that's left is to go and finish it off now."
It's been a season of breaking club records with the club achieving it's best points tally, highest finishing position, most points won at home and record attendances and bar sales.
The players 'chomping at the bit' to get down to Totton and show everyone how good they are, the boss said.
Much of the squad are under 24 years old, and Mr Dutton described them as 'fearless' as they've not had difficult experiences older players might have.
"Often with experienced players, they're great, but there's a lot of scars there and scar tissue," he said.
And while promotion is the target, Mr Dutton believes the season is a success whatever happens today.
He said: "The biggest achievement is just uniting the football club. That was key, bringing the fans and the and the players together and creating that spirit.
"The football club's got it's soul back and we've got a base to work from."