Scholars chasing the play-offs as they welcome local-rivals Stafford Rangers

Just a half-hour drive separates the two Staffordshire sides, but it is 12 places when it comes to the league standings.

Chasetown are enjoying a superb start to the season, having claimed 22 points from just 12 games while the Rangers sit rooted inside the relegation zone in 19th.

Looking to continue their fine form and climb into the play-off places, Chasetown boss Mark Swann is delighted with this season so far, but fully focused on securing more positive results.

“We’ve got to make sure we keep ourselves under the radar and keep working hard but yes to only lose three games (all competitions) up to now shows our form is good,” said Swann. “We’re in good form and there’s good confidence in the dressing room as well.

“It’s that little bit of momentum and breeds that confidence.

“We all know it’s an unforgiving league and one thing we’ve really concentrated on this season is when we go away from home, making sure we come away with something.”

Asked if Chasetown are targeting a play-off finish this season, he added: “That’s what we want.

“I think in the first season in the midland league we surprised the pack. But moving over to the west division, it caught us by surprise.

“There’s a lot of quality teams in the league and it sort of found us out last season.

But we’ve learned a lot as a group and management team.

“We’ve really had to be on our guard and prepare a lot more. Touch wood, it’s working at the moment.”

Rangers are returning to action after having their proposed clash with Wythenshawe Town last weekend postponed. 

Despite their league position, Swann is anticipating a tough game, and is looking forward to facing friend and former teammate from his playing days Dale Belford on the touch line.

“He’s brought some new players in, including one of ours Jon Atherton,” Swann added. “We know they’re going to be a lot stronger than when they started the league.

One thing Dale is is a bubbly character, so they’ll be full of energy.”

Meanwhile, Hednesford Town - who are still searching for a permanent successor to Steve King - go to Newcastle Town after defeat to Congleton Town midweek.

And, in Northern One Midlands, Darlaston Town visit Bedworth United, Sporting Khalsa travel to Boldmere St Michaels and Lye Town visit Shepshed Dynamo.