'The pressure is on them to win it' - Halesowen happy to be underdogs against AFC Telford United in play-off clash
Russell Penn has urged his Halesowen Town to be "aggressive" and "upset" the home AFC Telford United crowd in their play-off semi-final tonight.
Penn believes the pressure is on their opponents at the New Bucks Head (7.45pm k/o), as the sides lock horns and battle for a spot in the Southern Central Premier play-off final.
Both went unbeaten in their last ten league matches and finished level on 74 points, and Yeltz boss Penn has urged his side to relish being 'underdogs'.
He said: "I think the majority of play-off games are very cagey. With this being a one off game, you have to go into it and be aggressive. We aren’t the kind of team that will sit back and hope for extra time and penalties.
"We have got to go there and try and win the game, upset the home crowd. I feel the pressure is on them to win it. They lost the final last year and with the budget and size of the club, they expect to get promoted.
"I think we can go there as the underdogs. I do believe they are the favourites but we are going there to win.
"We have to take the emotion out of the game, because as soon as they see all their family and the crowd, it is very hard not to get emotional.
"But, you have to enjoy these moments. You have to take it in, this is what you play football as a kid for, these big moments. And, we have a chance to win the game and get a potential final, that’s the clear message from me."
Penn has enjoyed play-off success in recent years as a manager having led Kidderminster Harriers to the National League in 2023.
But, having tasted play-off defeat the previous season and throughout his own playing career, Penn knows just how tough the feat is.
Asked if these experiences can benefit, he added: "It’s definitely an experience I’ve got so I would like to think that I have learned from it.
"I have lost in the play-offs with Kidderminster in the season before we were promoted through the play-offs. I have seen both outcomes.
"As a player I was always in the play-offs, but never successful. So I have learned lots from those experiences and if I can take one per cent of that into the message to the lads then that is great."
