Non-league previews: Long-time leaders still have a long way to go

City went top in late August, and haven’t been knocked off the top since, now passing their 26th uninterrupted week as they prepare to host Northwich Victoria on Saturday (3pm).

And with six games still to play on the back of their 1-0 win away at AFC Wulfrunians, Green said he wants his players to ‘enjoy’ the experience.

He said: “I've got nothing but utmost respect for this league and I know if you put it down on paper, you would have to say that Lichfield are not favourites at the start of the year - we lost a lot of players as everybody knows.

“And we had a situation where we sort of said: ‘Look, if we could get to the play-offs again, that would be a phenomenal achievement for us'.

“So, obviously, to be in the position we're in is great.

“There's a long way to go. Six games is 18 points. You lose three games on the trot, you're out of it. The lads know that as well.

“What we've done is, we've been top for most of the season, so obviously we've played under pressure all year because when you're there, you know and everybody knows, that the opposition, they want to beat you because you're top. I've been there, I’ve done it.

“We know what we're up against and the big thing for us was to make sure that the lads enjoy this, enjoy this position. 

“You know, through your career, how often are you top of the tree, and for me, you’ve got to enjoy that. Embrace it, learn everything you can from it. 

“And if at the end of it you stay there, then wow, what an achievement."

He added: “We do everything we can through the week, so I'll get whatever reports I can. 

“You know, we work hard on that. We'll do everything we can to get everything on them because like I say, in recent weeks we've done everything we can based on what the opposition are doing. 

“In the past we've not done that. It's been all about us beating that team. I want to be explosive. I want us being a front-foot, attacking team. That's what we've set up to be. 

“But I've got to respect the position we're in and these lads have got a great opportunity to try and achieve something special, and we have to respect that. 

“We'll do our own work. We'll do everything we can, and we'll be prepared for them.”

Third-placed Brocton are away at Stourport Swifts, fresh after beating Swifts 3-1 at home, while bottom-of-the-league Wolverhampton Casuals are away at relegation rivals Tividale and OJM Black Country are also on the road, as they travel to Stone Old Alleynians.

In Midland One, Bilston Town are hoping to reignite their play-off charge against Birstall United Social after losing 6-2 to Leicester St Andrews. Wednesfield are 12 points adrift ahead of their game at Sutton United.

Fifth-placed Cradley Town are away at Chelmsley Town, Gornal Athletic have a tough task at Coton Green and Smethwick Rangers visit Heather St John's.

Stafford Town are chasing the North West Counties Division One South title as they host Runcorn Town, while they will hope Eccleshall do them a favour at leaders Winsford United.

Bewdley Town travel to Ludlow Town for the Hellenic League Marsh Cup fourth round.