IAN Craney is absolutely gutted to be watching from the sidelines as Accrington Stanley stand on the verge of promotion to the Football League.
One win over Woking tomorrow (Sat) or Scarborough at home on Monday will see the Reds lift the Conference crown.
But the midfielder is suspended for the two games after picking up a booking at Forest Green which took his tally to ten yellow cards for the season.
"I can't believe it, I am so frustrated and it is a nightmare for me," said Craney. "It was supposedly a foul by Danny Ventre - which was never a foul - and I stupidly kicked the ball away and was booked.
"But it is a team game and now I just have to cheer the lads on.
"It is just a pity as I have played most of the season and now the lads could do it and I will watching from the sidelines.
"I will be going to Woking though as it would kill me watching us win promotion via Teletext - I have to be there!"
The former Altrincham man may miss Stanley actually clinching promotion but he has more than played his part with his 12 league goals so far this season.
"I have enjoyed all of them but I think my most important one was against Tamworth in January," said the 23-year-old, who turned and fired a Rommy Boco pass into the roof of the net.
"We were drawing 1-1 and then I scored the winner - it was in the middle of our 10 game winning run so it was an important one.
"My best goal, though, was the one the other week against Grays - but we didn't win so the others have been more important."
This was a superb solo effort which he rifled into the top of the net from the edge of the area.
They all count and Craney can't believe he is so close to fulfilling his childhood dream of playing league football. "Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to play in the Football League. I have said all along it will be a dream come true. We are hopefully going to get there although no one is tempting fate.
"It has been a tough few weeks as we have been getting closer and closer and we have thrown points away.
"We were so disappointed after Southport as we should have beaten them and if we had we would have already won the league.
"But now we just want it to be done and dusted and hopefully the lads will do it tomorrow.
"I do think that has been the difference this season. We are all in it together and the team has shown a lot of character.
"We have all fought for one another and been there for one another on and off the pitch and I think that's why we are top of the league.
"And I will be there supporting the team and I will be one of the first celebrating if we do it!"
