Step 5/6 preview: Top against bottom in North West Counties League

Stafford have won nine of their last 10 games, scoring 30 goals in a run that included a 9-0 victory against Allscott Heath.

But manager Adam Wall is not taking a goal-fest for granted and is adamant that preparation for Shawbury is no different than any other game.

“If you treat them differently, you’re going to come unstuck against somebody," he said. “We’ll be as intense with our lads as we were against Winsford the other week, you know, it's a simple as that.

“Every game now potentially drops us off the top with Winsford (United) only being two points behind.

“So even though our opposition may not be favourites, everybody wants to beat you because you’re top the league, and secondly if we slip up it costs us more than it costs anybody else.”

Last weekend's 2-0 win against New Mills was tough but reflective of their campaign so far, Wall added.

He said: “It’s sort of the story of the season really, we’re we defending really well, we’re keeping clean sheets and we look likely to score even if we're not on top of the game, so it was it was a perfect away performance really.”

Matthew Hearsey netted his 21st goal of the season in that game and Wall says he has reached 'another level'.

“We're constantly turning down seven-day approaches from higher clubs and stuff, but he's the captain of the club," he said. "He's just playing another level and he's just really leading by example every week”

After two wins in their last three games, Wolves Sporting have moved clear of the relegation zone ahead of their game away at second-placed Winsford United.

 Meanwhile, Dudley Town are on the road at Midland Premier relegation rivals Uttoxeter Town. Losing could see them dragged back into the mix as Uttoxeter only sit three points behind them in the table, while a win could see them close the five-point gap to AFC Wulfrunians directly above.

Wulfrunians are at 1874 Northwich, whose six-game unbeaten run included a 2-2 draw with league leaders Lichfield City, while OJM Black Country are at relegation-threatened Highgate United.

 The Midland One title race is in full swing as four points separate first from sixth.

Bilston Town are second ahead of a tough fixture at home to Kirby Muxloe, while fifth-placed Smethwick Rangers visit struggling Allexton & New Parks.

Gornal Athletic host title-contenders Leicester St Andrews, whose 10-game winning streak has put them fourth in the division.

Cradley Town are in eighth ahead of their home game against Nuneaton Griff at home, while Wednesfield will be hoping to escape the relegation zone at home to Coventry Copsewood.

And in Hellenic League Division One, Bewdley Town are at home against relegation-threatened Carterton.