SILKSTONE United manager Dan Walker believes the weight of family expectation was lifted off his shoulders when his side secured promotion last weekend.
It’s a full two decades since Silkstone last made it up the top flight and they were then under the guidance of his father Darron.
To get back there was a special moment - even if Darron missed it in favour of watching Barnsley FC.
Dan said: “It was an emotional day considering my dad took them up 20 years ago. He loves watching The Reds but on reflection he said he’d have been better off coming to watch us.
“There was a lot of excitement on the day. We knew a win for us or a result elsewhere would be enough and they both happened.
“I moved away from the area ten years ago and when I moved back the football club had folded. I wanted to get something started back up to give lads in the village football to play - even if it wouldn’t have been as competitive as before.
“Last year we were top of the league but then we didn’t win in six. We choked a little bit.
“We brought a few younger lads in over the summer and we have never really been off the pace this season.”
Silkstone coasted over the line with a 5-1 win against Ecclesfield Red Rose.
The goals came courtesy of Gareth Hunter, William Heath, Harry Ogden and a brace from 16-year-old Joshua Littlewood.
It’s now two promotions in three seasons and Walker is pleased his side will be able to test themselves at the highest level and against many local rivals.
He added: “We are looking forward to that challenge. To be mixing it with the big boys at that level, we would be happy to be safe in midtable.”
Silkstone still have two games left to play and could realistically finish as high as second with two wins as second-placed Sheffield City FC have finished their Division One campaign.
League leaders Dronfield have a goal difference 25 superior than Walker’s side and will likely seal the title in their final game.
Walker added: “The message has been to enjoy what we have achieved but to go for second now.”
Premier Division Houghton Main remain in danger of the drop after losing 2-1 to Hemsworth Miners’ Welfare.
Wombwell Main finally returned to action after six weeks out as they drew 0-0 away at Oughtibridge.
Division Two Wombwell Main Development picked up a 3-2 win over Evo Soccer.
Kieran Hirst got the winner with Daz Smith and Joel Hickling also netting.
