How 'big-game experience' can help Boston United keep their cool as they face Gateshead in the National League North play-offs

Manager Craig Elliott backs his proven squad...
Simon Ainge in action for Guiseley at York Street during the 2011 play-off semi-final.Simon Ainge in action for Guiseley at York Street during the 2011 play-off semi-final.
Simon Ainge in action for Guiseley at York Street during the 2011 play-off semi-final.

Craig Elliott believes that Boston United's squad of big-game players will have the know-how to deal with the pressures of Saturday's play-off semi-final.

The Pilgrims boss has assembled a side packed with promotion and play-off experience ahead of Saturday's clash with Gateshead (KO 5.30pm).

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The Heed may have beaten United 3-0 home and away this season, but with all to play for in this one-off game, Elliott has confidence his players can keep their cool and not show any signs of nerves.

"I always had, coming towards the business end of the season, confidence in this side," Elliott told The Standard.

"We've got individuals with big-game experience and who have been involved in play-off games.

"We are an experienced squad. I fancied us in the final games of the season because of that mentality.

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"We are a good team in one-off games and that's shown in certain matches. I hope that comes to the front."

Garner scores the winner for Halifax against Chorley.Garner scores the winner for Halifax against Chorley.
Garner scores the winner for Halifax against Chorley.

What experience does this squad have?

Dominic Knowles scored twice in the 2018 play-off final to help a Harrogate Town side - which also included Jake Wright - claim promotion from this division.

Jordan Thewlis missed the match through injury but has experience of four play-off campaigns, scoring for Harrogate in last season's National League knockout rounds against AFC Fylde.

Jordan Thewlis scores in last season's National League play-offs.Jordan Thewlis scores in last season's National League play-offs.
Jordan Thewlis scores in last season's National League play-offs.
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He has also featured in two semis for Boston, matches which also featured teammates Jay Rollins and Nicky Walker.

Simon Ainge was part of the Guiseley side which knocked United out on penalties in the 2011 play-offs, and also pipped the Pilgrims to the UniBond Premier title the previous season.

Matt Challoner won the play-offs with Chorley last season while striker Frank Mulhern was part of the Stockport County squad which went up as champions.

He featured for County in the play-offs the previous season.

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Keeper Peter Crook has a promotion on his CV with Hyde United but was also part of the 2016 Harrogate side which featured in the play-offs, along with Tom Platt, Luke Shiels and Knowles.

Alex Whittle has previously appeared in three play-off campaigns north and south of the border with Dunfermline and Warrington, while Simon Heslop was part of the Luton Town squad beaten by York City in the Conference Premier play-offs of 2010.