West Yorkshire League: Horbury Town planning to go the '˜right way' about promotion to NCE League

Beeston St Anthony's goal scorer Reece Farnhill is swamped by team-mates following his goal in the 3-1 Premier Division win over Leeds City. PIC: Steve Riding

Horbury Town want to earn their way into the Northern Counties League according to manager Darren Barnes.

Horbury sit seventh in the Premier Division table, a position which Barnes’ side want to improve upon.

He said: “I’ve seen clubs go up to semi-professional level in the last few seasons despite finishing well down the table, but I want us to do this the right way.

“I want us to be a real contender, break up the top three and try to win the Premier Division. That’s always been an ambition of mine because I want to win as many trophies as possible.

Beeston St Anthony's Reece Farnhill scores against Leeds City. PIC: Steve Riding

“We want to finish as high in this league as we can. Sometimes it benefits a club going up despite finishing fifth or sixth, but for us we want to do this the right way.

“I think we’re now seen as a top-five side and we won our District Cup last season, as well as our Community Shield in pre-season. Nobody wants to play us, because I think we earned the right to be classed as one of the better sides. Saying that, I don’t think we will win the title this season because of too many inconsistencies, but as a club our goal is progression each season.”

An affiliation with newly formed Northern Premier League Division One side Ossett United has provided Horbury with extra talent in their bid to break into the top three.

“We’re looking at a lot of their under-23s, giving them somewhere to play on a Saturday and we’ve seen some good players come out of that,” said Barnes.

Stephen Crawford, of Beeston, takes on Leeds City's Adam Dutson. PIC: Steve Riding

“We’re also getting plenty of talent from our reserves and junior section who we always want to give opportunities to. The club is in a better position now than it’s ever been.

“Last season was our highest-ever finish which was fourth, so we’re looking to match that at least, but ideally break that top three of Leeds City, Beeston St Anthony’s and Carlton Athletic.

“They have been the clear top three for several seasons and there’s a reason for that. They’re consistent and we’re in that chasing pack who want to get into those places.”