ATHERSLEY Rec are mathematically safe from relegation and aiming to compete at the other end of NCEL Division One in the future.
They won 2-1 at home to Selby Town on Saturday, a fifth victory in six games. Nathan Perks and Harrison Landon scored.
That put Rec 16 points clear of relegation and third-bottom Glasshoughton only had four games remaining.
Manager Paul Clarkson, who was brought in in September, said: “I wouldn’t have taken the job if I wasn’t confident we could stay up.
“When I took over we were on seven points.
“The club was in the doldrums, and everyone was fearing the worst.
“They would give up in games if we went behind.
“I knew it would be a challenge but I knew, after I got in the players I wanted in, we’d be completely fine.
“We’ve done it the hard way with no budget and young players.
“We gave debuts on Saturday to a 16 and 17-year-old.
“There were only three players involved on Saturday who were involved under the previous manager.
“I’m glad we did it with a win and not because other teams lost.
“We didn’t want to be the team that stayed up because of other teams’ results.
“We have four games left, we will still push and see how many points we can get.”
What can Rec achieve in the coming seasons?
Clarkson said: “We’re already planning for next season.
“We’ll have an under 21s side, to try to keep everyone playing and keep players at the club.
“We have got to do it with young lads who are committed.
“If they do well, other clubs might offer them money but we need to make sure they have a desire to play in the Rec shirt as opposed to earning a couple of quid.
“I can have a pre-season with a squad this time.
“That’s been the hardest bit.
“The aim next season will be minimum mid-table.
“You never know what can happen if you pick up momentum early doors.
“In the form table over the last six games, we’re third. We’ve beaten some top teams.
“The aim is eventually to play in that Premier Division.
“But there are sides with ridiculous budgets in our league.
“We’d like to eventually get a bit of budget and if a local business could sponsor us that would make a big difference.”
Wombwell Town are one place and nine points off the play-off places with six games to play.
They collected three points from two games against sides above them this week.
They lost 3-2 at home to Wakefield on Saturday.
After going 2-0 down, Town levelled through Rhys Plater and Rikki Paylor.
But Wakefield netted a 95th-minute winner.
Town then won 3-0 at home to Beverley Town on Tuesday.
Plater scored twice and Owen Sykes once, ending a four-match winless run.
Beverley are in the fight for the title.
Worsbrough Bridge collected three points from two home games.
They won 3-1 at home to Horbury Town on Saturday.
Kane Swinburn and Harley Holt put Bridge 2-0 up then, after Horbury replied, debutant Jake Bradford made it 3-1.
Bridge then lost 1-0 at home to Dronfield on Wednesday.
Bridge are 15th, with six games to play.
Penistone Church are nine points and two places off the Premier Division play-offs.
Church lost 4-3 at Silsden on Saturday.
Penistone led in the first half through Nathan Keightley and Lennon O’Grady but the hosts levelled twice then went 3-2 up at half-time. Keightley equalised midway through the second half but Silsden won it two minutes later.
Church’s game at Barton Town on Tuesday was called off.
They have four to play and three games in hand on Albion Sports who are in the final play-off place.
