Town defender Andy Butler has told htafc.com that there is more to Saturday's Yorkshire derby against Leeds United than local pride.
The 25-year old has been in commanding form at the heart of Town's defence recently, scoring a thumping header against Swindon during a recent win, and he believes that a victory over Simon Grayson's side this weekend will not only secure the West Yorkshire bragging rights, but will more importantly boost the team's Play-Off hopes.
"There's more to it than just local pride this weekend - there is a promotion element to the game as well," Doncaster-born Andy explained. "We are four points behind Leeds now and so it is a big game for both teams. We will be up for it.
"The fans have always been great this season and the whole place has been bouncing for the last few weeks. If we can recreate that atmosphere again, I am sure we will get a good result against Leeds."
Town have already recorded one victory over the team from Elland Road this season - a game that Butler featured in.
"It was a great finish to the game with Michael Collins' last minute goal and we had defended well for the entire second half. The best thing was seeing how much it meant to our fans after the final whistle and it was great to join in the celebrations with them.
"Gerry and 'Mitch' came in when we were struggling a little bit and that result kick-started a run towards the Play-Offs. It was a big moment in the season for us and hopefully we can keep going and force our way in there.
"Leeds have a good set of strikers in Becchio, Trundle, Snodgrass and, if he plays, Beckford - they are all great players. It will be up to me, Nathan and the rest of the back four to keep them out."
Town come into the game in good form under new boss Lee Clark and Butler admitted that he is enjoying life in HD1, having moved to the Club from Scunthorpe United during the summer.
"I'm happy - you just have to look around the Stadium to know it is a massive Club. With the staff we have brought in, the place is geared up for the Championship and I think the ambitions go past that and eventually towards the Premiership.
"We have a new philosophy on the way that football should be played. Derek Fazackerley is coaching the defenders, just as he has for the England national team, and that can only benefit the team. If we get a solid back line we are always going to score goals as we have some real talent out there.
"The Gaffer and the rest of the staff are always positive in everything they do on the training pitch. We actually have some players in the squad who are older than him, but managers seem to be getting younger in football as a general rule and we have total respect for him."
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