Non-league previews: 'Winner takes all' at the top
It will be 'winner takes all’ according to manager Adam Wall as Stafford Town travel to Winsford United in a clash of the top two in North West Counties Division One South, writes Dan Hickey.
The two sides are level on points, however despite Stafford’s strong season, Winsford have a game in hand on their title rivals.
Wall described this week as, other than the birth of his child and his wedding, ‘the biggest week of my life’, after almost a decade of hard work to get to this point.
Wall said: “I think it’s winner takes all. I honestly think that.
“I've been in football long enough to know that you're always going to have a wobble. It doesn't matter how well you're doing all season, you're just going to keep it going and we didn't start the year well.
“That's no secret to anybody. I haven't hidden from that. We've owned that. It was massive to get our first win, but I think the manner of the performance is massive to me.”
Having beaten Barnton 5-0, keeper Adam Jenkins and starter Josh Wilson are unavailable this weekend, however Wall is still confident.
“I genuinely believe that we've got the best front three in the league," he said. “Look, the nerves are natural. I take it my lads will be the same as me. I just said it to my wife the other day – I got told off for it – but it’s the biggest week, other than the birth of my child and my wedding, it's the biggest week of my life.
“I've worked tirelessly for eight to nine years to get where I am.”
Wolves Sporting are also in Division One South action at home to New Mills.
Midland League Premier Division leaders Lichfield City are favourites at Uttoxeter Town, while second-placed Brocton visit 1874 Northwich.
Dudley Town host OJM Black Country, AFC Wulfrunians travel to Highgate United, Stone Old Alleynians welcome Northwich Victoria and Tividale are at home against Stourport Swifts.
Struggling Wolverhampton Casuals are hopeful of a win against Whitchurch Alport to get off the foot of the table.
Cradley Town are at Allexton & New Parks as they compete for the Midland One play-off places.
Smethwick Rangers travel to AFC Bridgnorth, Bilston Town host Stapenhill and Gornal Athletic are at home against Lutterworth Athletic.
Wednesfield are away at Nuneaton Griff with hopes of escaping the drop, while Bewdley Town host a strong FC Stratford side in Hellenic League Division One.
