Non-league previews: Eagles set for a hair-raising derby

Drayton manager Dan Dawson is a regular at Kelly’s barbershop in Newcastle-under-Lyme, The Barber Club, and the two share a long history in management.

Ahead of this weekend's North West Counties League Division One South clash, Kelly said: “It's a derby. Not only because of me and Dan, the lads will know each other from playing each other at other clubs and different levels.

“I think form goes out the window. They're not in great form, to be fair too much, I don't think does justice for how good a side they are.”

He added that at their previous clubs, Redgate Clayton and Abbey Hulton Reserves, Dawson tended to fare better.

“They were always one of the top, top sides in the division," said Kelly. "Because we were a reserve side, it was always difficult managing really. Our job was probably a bit different to theirs.”

Eccleshall are eighth in the league after a solid run of form, however not putting away chances against Sandbach United at the weekend saw them miss out on the points by a hair’s breadth, losing 1-0.

Kelly said: “We’re playing really well, to be honest, even the Sandbach game, we were the better side.

“Playing really well, I've got a good group now on and off the pitch. It just seems like it's clicked really.”

Elsewhere in North West Counties League Division One South, Wolves Sporting have the chance to escape the relegation zone, being a point from safety going into their game against relegation rivals Barnton.

Leaders Stafford Town are in the quarter-finals of the Edward Case Cup, where they face Maine Road, who are eighth in Division One North.

Wolverhampton Casuals are bottom of the Midland League Premier Division ahead of a six-pointer against second-bottom Highgate United.

Eighth-placed Stone Old Alleynians travel to ninth-placed Stourport Swifts, with a chance to climb to sixth available to both sides as they knock at the door of the play-off places.

Dudley Town travel to struggling Uttoxeter Town, while AFC Wulfrunians have a tough game at fourth-placed 1874 Northwich.

Bilston Town will hope to close the gap to the Midland One play-off places as they travel to Allexton & New Parks.

Four points ahead of Bilston, Cradley Town have a shot at going third in Midland League Division One if they beat Birstall United Social.

Eighth-placed Smethwick Rangers are also hoping to close the gap as they face Leicester St Andrews in seventh.

Gornal Athletic face mid-table rivals Sutton United, while second-bottom Wednesfield are still searching for their first win under new management as they travel to Lutterworth Athletic.

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