In the Blues’ previous match, Ian Deakin’s side edged themselves one step closer to securing a play-off place with a 2-1 away victory over Pontefract Collieries.

Luke Cox nodded Long Eaton into the lead, before deflecting the ball into his own net late in the match, however, a low-driven strike from Callum Minkley was enough to secure the Blues an important three points.

That Minkley strike was in fact the midfielder’s first goal for the club since joining back in January, which means the Blues have now had 19 different goal scorers during the 2022/23 season.

The Opposition –

As all 20 Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division teams enter their final game of the season, Brighouse currently find themselves in eighth place after 37 games played with a total of 15 wins, six draws and 16 defeats.

Aiding in the Town’s strong season has been their top goal scorer Jack Boyle who has netted 12 times in 40 appearances this season, however, Brighouse have also had 20 different goal scorers this season which has added to their success on the pitch.

It was in fact Boyle that opened the scoring in Brighouse’s last match as a Tuesday night trip to Cleethorpes Town ended with Town victorious by two-goals-to-nil thanks also to a doubler from Mohammad Qasim.

Town have in fact won their last 5 games - prior to a heavy 6-0 defeat to league champions Worksop Town - and secured a total of 15 points heading into their final game of the season, thus, the visitors will of course be full of momentum and determination when they visit Grange Park this weekend.

Previous Meeting’s –

The last time that the Blues and the Town met was of course in the reverse fixture earlier this season, where the Blues were victorious by four-goals-to-one.

Rod Orlando-Young got the scoring underway at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium, before Tom Cursons netted each side of half time and Jamie Walker added to his tally to secure the Blues all three points.

Javelle Clarke was the only goal scorer for Brighouse on that day, however, that goal turned out to be just a consolation after 90 minutes were up.

Prior to the 2022/23 season, Long Eaton United last faced Brighouse Town in the Northern Counties East League back in 2013/14.

Brighouse won the league that season and with it promotion to the Northern Premier League. The Town beat Long Eaton 0-4 at Grange Park in the latter stages of the season and 3-1 at St Giles Road.

Manager’s Quotes –

When Blues boss Ian Deakin was asked to reflect on recent fixtures, he said: “We talk a lot about momentum in football, and that is something we have had recently, but we lost the two matches prior to last weekend’s victory – we were not absolutely played out of the park or battered 4/5-0 and we have not even played particularly badly, it has just been at the top end of the pitch where we have been missing a lot of chances and not converting as many as we should do.

“It felt like a similar game last weekend, but the difference against Pontefract was that we kept going – having a fresher squad allowed the lads to keep going and keep pushing on.”

As the season starts to come to a close and the players’ fitness levels fluctuate, Deakin added: “It is important at this time of the year that you rotate and use that squad because everyone is valued – I tell them all the time that I have no issue taking somebody out and putting somebody else in, I trust them all equally.

“Last weekend, Bradders [Brad Wilson] gave his all at right back after a few matches away and had to come off with cramp, but that’s the beauty of the squad that I now have, Larell [King] was ready to come on and put in the same effort.

“From a man management point of view, especially in the latter stages of the season, I think that is where you have to really manage the players and make sure everyone is fit and understands their own personal role moving forward.”

When asked about the Blues’ final match of the 2022/23 season, Deakin noted: “We are looking forward to next week, the squad have put themselves in a position now where they are probably going to start again – I can’t guarantee that, but we will asses all the players and be prepared for Brighouse at the weekend.

“We have a really good squad going into the last game, but it is of course pressured – it is that time of the year where you have to get results and it doesn’t matter how you do it, you have just got to get it done.

“I was really proud of them last weekend in the second to last game of the season – I said on BBC Radio Derby last week that Pontefract were not going to give us anything, they had pride to play for and I would be saying the same thing if I was there manager by trying to affect things.

“It was a really tough game, they battled hard and were a good side, but there are no easy games in this league and we expect nothing different against Brighouse.

“They are a good footballing side, so the lads understand that it is going to be difficult, but we are going to go out their nonetheless as we usually do and aim to get all three points.”

Match Details –

Long Eaton United vs Brighouse Town
Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division
Saturday 22nd April – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Grange Park (Long Eaton United FC)
Station Road
Long Eaton
Derbyshire
NG10 2EF

Ticket Information –

£9 Adults
£7 Concessions
£3 U16s

£2.50 Matchday Programme

The match kicks off at 3:00pm and we advise all supporters to arrive at the ground early to avoid any queues or delays upon entry.

Card payments are proffered and accepted at the bar, kitchen and for entry into Grange Park – although, cash payments are still accepted.

Also, you can see the team line-up’s on our official Twitter page, where there will also be live updates from the match.