Non-League Previews: Darlaston Town continue to ride high after historic week

The Citizens' remarkable season continued on Wednesday when they beat Chasetown to advance into the Walsall Senior Cup final for the first time since 1972/73.

Their attention now turns to a tough clash at third-placed Long Eaton United who have won their last seven league games.

But, whatever happens this weekend and in their remaining league fixtures, Darlaston boss Dean Gill is overjoyed at his side's continued success.

"I am extremely proud," he said. "We seem to be doing something every season.

"That is our fourth semi-final win in four years. It is an unbelievable achievement, it doesn't matter what level you are at, everything is relative to your resources available.

"For the lads to do what they have is an unbelievable demonstration to me of what we are about. 

"It is more than 50 years since we have been in a senior cup final. We have to keep pinching ourselves but keep our feet on the ground because we are built on hard work, commitment, concentration and honesty. 

"Long Eaton are flying and in incredible form. We are a bit down on energy after the game against Chasetown, we played it like a cup final. We didn't save ourselves. 

"If we win we are back in it (play-off race), if we don't then we are not out of it but make it difficult for ourselves.

"But, it is a joke that we are where we are and we haven't got any pressure. Wherever we finish this season, I just want to think that it is the best we could have done, and I am not fussed at this point."

Football fans are being encouraged to check out their local non-league side this weekend through 'Non-League Day'.

The event always coincides with the first international break of the year and receives backing and support from Premier League and EFL clubs, and governing bodies. 

Elsewhere, in the Northern One Midlands, sixth-placed Sporting Khalsa will also look to cut the gap to the play-offs. They sit four points adrift of Anstey Nomads who they visit tomorrow. 

Meanwhile, Lye Town continue their quest for safety and go to fellow strugglers Bedworth United for a relegation six-pointer. 

In the Northern One West, fifth-placed play-off hopefuls Chasetown welcome Bootle. The Scholars have a five point advantage over Stalybridge Celtic below while second-placed Hednesford Town will look to continue their unbelievable 13-game unbeaten run at City of Liverpool and Stafford Rangers travel to Trafford.