Non-league previews: Badgers look to follow an eight-goal thriller
Free-scoring Brocton came out on top in an 11-goal thriller against struggling Tividale, however manager Alex Curtis isn’t fussed whether they win ‘1-0 or 5-0’, writes Dan Hickey.
In a first for their manager, Brocton won 8-3 in a Midland League Premier Division fixture, which has left them only eight points behind leaders Lichfield City going into Saturday’s game at AFC Wulfrunians (3pm).
Will Whieldon bagged a hat-trick, Regan Smith scored a brace and Jude King, Christian Blanchette and Connor Haddaway all added to the unusual tally, which Curtis took positives and negatives from.
He said: “I don't think I've ever been involved in an 8-3 game before!
“We've played Tividale a couple of times, and we’ve got to play them again. We've always conceded sloppy goals to them, which is disappointing from our point of view, but we know that we've got the capabilities to beat them. It's just preventing those kinds of silly mistakes.
“I think at this point in the season, with where we are, we're just hoping to continue to get positive results. I don't really mind whether we win 1-0 or 5-0 or whatever, as long as we get the three points.
“That’s kind of all that matters to us. Like I say, we're in the playoff mix, aren't we? And if we can keep getting results then it gives us a better chance.”
After a tough game against Brocton, Tividale will hope to bounce back at home to Northwich Victoria, having just slipped into the relegation places.
Stourport Swifts’ tricky fixture run continues away at Lichfield City, while Wolverhampton Casuals hope to secure their place outside of the drop zone with a win against Romulus.
Dudley Town are away at Atherstone Town, OJM Black Country are at home against Uttoxeter Town and Stone Old Alleynians travel to Highgate United, who are bottom of the division.
In Midland One, Cradley Town take on runaway league leaders Nuneaton Town at home as Bilston Town host Gornal Athletic, who are after their first win of 2025.
Smethwick Rangers host Saffron Dynamo, while second-bottom Wednesfield Community are at home to second-placed Heather St John’s.
Eccleshall are second in the North West Counties League Division One South form table going into their home game against ninth-placed New Mills.
Stafford Town are in Macron Cup action as they travel to Ramsbottom United for the quarter-finals.
In Hellenic League Division One, Bewdley Town are at home against relegation-threatened Cheltenham Saracens.
