The same can be said for supporters of the Staffordshire club who have seen their favourites repeatedly fall short of a return to the Northern Premier League’s top flight since they were relegated in 2008.
That is until last Monday, when a 2-1 victory at Newcastle Town sealed promotion from the West Division.
“We intend to savour the moment,” the Blues’ skipper told The NLP. “Of course, I’m happy. But the primary emotion is relief.”
The midfielder signed for Leek from neighbours Kidsgrove seven years ago, and has been part of a side that has contested the play-offs three times – reaching the final in 2019.
The past two attempts ended after home defeats against Runcorn Linnets at the semi-finals stage.
Leek also occupied top spot in the then NPL South East Division, winning 23 of the 28 games they played, when the FA decided to curtail, then declare null and void, the 2019-20 term because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teammates Olly Harrison, Rob Stevenson, Dan Trickett-Smith and Tim Grice were there with him at Harrison Park through it all.
Denne historien er fra April 07, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 07, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BRENNAN STINGS 'MOANY' BEES!
FRUSTRATED Dean Brennan has lashed out at the \"miserable, moany\" Barnet boo boys and urged them to get behind the team in their bid for promotion.
ACE REED WAITED TO MAKE A MARK
WHEN Mark Reed sensed his manager turn around to look his way on Tuesday night, he knew what was coming next.
CHURCH HAILS TEENAGE KICKS
DEBUTANT Dan Shaw got his teenage kicks with the rocket that fired Alvechurch to the top of the table.
LEES SO PROUD OF HIS SHAKERS
SUPER Shakers made it 14 games unbeaten this season after easing to victory against struggling NPL outfit Blyth Spartans.
SEVEN-UP A STONES
RONAN Silva turned in a four-star display as Salisbury highlighted the three-division difference in quality against their Wessex Premier opponents.
HORGAN'S RELIEF AT TOWN SIX APPEAL
CHIPPENHAM Town heeded manager Gary Horgan's prematch warning about a potential shock and despatched their Jewson Western League hosts.
BRAD'S LEVELLER RESCUES THE IRON
IN A terrific FA Cup second qualifying round tie, Step 4 Newcastle Town held National League North leaders Scunthorpe at Buckmaster Avenue.
WHING IS SURE IT'S MOOR OF THE SAME
A BRACE from Conor Wilkinson brought Solihull Moors back-to-back National League victories.
MOR'S U'S ARE BACK ON TRACK
SUTTON United got back to winning ways with a wel come victory at Southend United.
DUO GET THEIR JUST REWARDS
ENGLAND legend Stuart Pearce has made surprise appearances at two Trident League clubs to hail a pair of award-winning volunteers who earned national recognition for their inspirational exploits.