Fans backing key to both bosses

As six EVO-STIK League Southern clubs prepared to share agony and ecstasy in equal measure in the promotion play-offs, Holleran told supporters that home advantage at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium could be key to their dreams of winning promotion alongside champions Chippenham Town.

Holleran, whose runners-up defeated Slough Town on Wednesday night in the semi-finals to set up the winner-takes-all showdown, said: “We know this will be a tight game. We are just looking for anything that can give you the advantage our support could do just that.

“We’ve got to try and learn from last year, we got close but failed. There is a good side standing in our way. I expect a great occasion.”

Canaries boss Mark Burke was enjoying his side's underdog status ahead of the 3pm kick-off and looking forward to repaying the fans for their loyalty after booking their berth in the final with a penalty shoot-out victory over Merthyr Town in south Wales on the same night.

Calling for one more push from his players and the travelling support, Burke said: “The Leamington play-off final will see us conclude a very enjoyable season. It would be brilliant if we could finish off with a victory and promotion to the National League but it will be a very difficult task.

“Leamington are a very experienced side with a very successful manager. Once again we will adopt our favoured position as underdogs. We will look to build on our last two visits to Leamington that both ended in victory.

“It would be great to see a large Hitchin following and I am sure our supporters will be there. Your support can really help us and all the team want to reward you for your great support through the season.”

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1