Northern League: Jarrow boss firmly focused on play-off semi-final
Jarrow rounded off their regular season with a home win against Esh Winning on Saturday.
Jarrow manager Kennie Malia quickly turned his focus towards a play-off semi-final meeting with FC Hartlepool after watching his side end their regular season with a comfortable win against already relegated Esh Winning.
Malia’s men had already secured a top five berth for the second consecutive season ahead of Saturday’s home clash with an Esh side heading into the Wearside League after finishing bottom of the Northern League’s second tier this season.
There was no doubt over the end result from the moment Ryan Hardie fired Jarrow in front seven minutes before half-time after they had always looked the more likely of the two sides to open the scoring. Jay Barber and Lutfur Karim added to the lead after the break and that allowed Malia to enjoy a routine win on the final day of the regular season and turn his attention to next weekend’s play-off clash at Perth Green.
He told The Gazette: “That was a brilliant way to end our league fixtures with a clean sheet and a win. We have now reached back-to-back play-offs, which is fantastic and something everyone connected to the club can be proud of. I’d also like to say huge thank you to our players for their commitment and effort throughout the season Now it's time to get ready and plan for next week's play-off game against Hartlepool.”
A final showdown with either Yarm and Eaglescliffe or Seaham Red Star lies in wait for the winners of the semi-final clash after they secured second and fifth place in the table on Saturday.
Your next non-league read: On-loan Sunderland duo praised as Hebburn Town move to the brink of historic title win and promotion