The Anchors host Guiseley in a Northern Premier Division play-off semi-final this evening, with the winners set to take on either Worksop Town or Ashton United in a promotion decider next Monday.
Promotion would see Stockton playing in the same league as the likes of Darlington and Spennymoor Town next season, and would represent the latest step on a journey that would have seemed utterly impossible just a decade or so ago.
“There’s no pressure on us,” said Nicholson. “We just have to go, play our game, frustrate and be hard to beat. We’ll try to create some great memories, because we’ve had some brilliant ones over the years.
“Nine years ago, we were in the Wearside League, and 15 years ago, we were in the Teesside League. To think we are now two wins from the National League is phenomenal.”
Stockton’s rise through the leagues means they are no strangers to high-pressure matches in the final few weeks of a season, with this being the fourth successive campaign that has seen them qualify for the play-offs.
Two seasons ago, Micky Dunwell’s side lost on penalties to Long Eaton United in the NPL East play-off final, while last season, they edged out Dunston in a remarkable play-off final that saw them trail 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 before Kevin Hayes’ free-kick levelled the scores. Stockton then had a man sent off before eventually winning on penalties.
MORE SPORT:
“We have got some good experience of beating teams in those one-off occasions, and in recent seasons, we have been fortunate enough to have home ties,” said Nicholson. “But there’s a lot of pressure on us to win. They have been tight, but we have found a way to win. I think this place is going to be an absolute fortress on Tuesday.”
Tonight’s game at Bishopton Road West is all-ticket, with Nicholson admitting the club’s continued progress this season has still not really sunk in.
“I’m lost for words when you think about it,” he said. “We have just been rolling game to game without really thinking back or taking a step back to see where we are.
“To think we have just finished third in the Northern Premier League is just phenomenal and a credit to the club.”
