PLAY-OFF PREVIEW: Poppies boss McDonald wants more after 'biggest achievement'
Liam McDonald has ranked getting Kettering Town into the Pitching-in Southern League Premier Central semi-finals as being 'up there with the biggest achievement' in his managerial career.
And now he is determined to go at least one step further when the Poppies head to Real Bedford for their last four clash on Wednesday night (ko 7.45pm).
Kettering were languishing in the bottom half of the table and way off the top five pace at the end of January.
McDonald had replaced Simon Hollyhead as boss in November, and had been steadily reshaping the squad, but consistent results weren't forthcoming.
Following successive away defeats at the start of the year to champions-elect Harborough Town and Leiston, McDonald was scathing of his players, particularly after the 4-1 loss at Leiston.
He challenged the team to perform in the '18 cup finals' that were to follow, insisting the team could make the play-offs..
And perform they did, winning 12, drawing four and losing just two as they climbed up the table and secured a fourth place finish to set up the play-off showdown with Bedford.
But McDonald is hoping that extending the season by one more game is not the end of the journey, saying: "We have to gear up now for what is another cup final.
"We weren't fussed who we would play, just getting into the play-offs was incredible, and we have finished fourth.
"I have managed a long time and this is up there with the biggest achievement.
"Yes, I won the league with Rushall, but to do this with a squad that wasn't great, let's be honest.
"I came into a dressing room that wasn't great, to clear everyone out and thanks to Fab (Fabian Forde) and the chairman (George Akhtar) for getting the players in that I wanted.
"Then there is the team spirit that we have shown."
Kettering can travel to Real Bedfordd with confidence, having beaten them 2-1 at Latimer Park earlier this month.
Indeed, the Poppies have done the double over the Pirates this season, but only a handful of players remain at the club from the 2-0 win there way back in August.
Real finished third in the Premier Central table, nine points better off than the Poppies.
The winner of Wednesday's semi-final will play either Spalding United or Halesowen Town in Monday afternoon's final, with promotion to National League North up for grabs.
Quotes courtesy of Peter Short