Express & Star

Star staying on at Scholars

Chasetown's Southern League Midlands promotion ambitions have been boosted by Joe Williams' decision to stay.

Published
Gary Birch's second-half strike sealed the points for Chasetown in a hard-fought and entertaining game at Brigg Town.

The key defender has rejected the chance to join higher league Hednesford, despite being offered more money.

Boss Charlie Blakemore said: "Joe has told me he's staying. We're ambitious and he wants to be part of it."

The Scholars may be top of the table - but Blakemore has ordered his side not to look at the table until Christmas.

Table-topping Chasetown play Aylesbury tomorrow anxious to return to winning ways in the league after their 100 per cent start was checked by a shock home defeat to Romulus.

Blakemore's side have since returned to winning ways in the FA Cup against Rocester to set up an attractive clash at Cambridge City next Saturday.

But the Church Street chief has ordered his side not to look beyond tomorrow's game.

"I've told the lads not to look at the table until Christmas - we shouldn't be looking any further than our next game," said Blakemore.

"Trends of results mean the table doesn't settle down until then. It's great to see us at the top after our start, but we're not getting carried away."

John Branch (hip) is fit, while Nick Hawkins could be back by Christmas from a fractured ankle.

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