Non-league previews: Badgers looking to build on JW Hunt Cup success
Fresh from making the JW Hunt Cup semi-finals in a seven-goal midweek thriller against Tividale, Brocton manager Alex Curtis is hoping to finish the season ‘with some momentum’, writes Dan Hickey.
They have a chance to secure the final Midland League Premier Division play-off spot at Northwich Victoria on Saturday, should Dudley Town fail to beat Stourport Swifts and Whitchurch Alport not beat Uttoxeter Town.
Will Whieldon bagged a hat-trick as they won the semi-final 4-3, with Jude King adding to put Brocton 4-2 up at half-time. Myles Durham and Jason Wood netted for Tividale in the first half, with Tom Cottam putting away a penalty 20 minutes from time.
Curtis said: “The result was everything. After Saturday’s decent performance at OJM, we wanted to build some momentum into our final games of the season.
“Getting to the semi-final does that. We were without a number of our regulars but the players that came in have done a great job."
He added: “The lads know what is expected of them and we will go into the game with the right mindset. A good finish to the season could see us go into the play-offs, hopefully, with some momentum.”
Tividale have a chance to go four points clear of Highgate United in the drop zone, as they host 14th-placed AFC Wulfrunians.
Leaders Lichfield City are up against Highgate, who earned a shock win last week, coming from two goals behind to beat second-placed Shifnal Town deep into stoppage time.
As a result, Lichfield’s four-point lead remains, after they lost to mid-table Stone Old Alleynians. Fresh from that shock victory, Stone host Shifnal.
Wolverhampton Casuals are six points from safety with three to play ahead of travelling to OJM Black Country, who won 3-0 in midweek.
Cradley Town went past 100 goals in their midweek draw with Division One play-off rivals Coton Green and are four points safe in the play-off places ahead of their trip to Coventry Copsewood.
Bilston Town still have a chance at a play-off spot against Nuneaton Griff, while Gornal Athletic host Saffron Dynamo, Smethwick Rangers take on Ingles and already-relegated Wednesfield are at Coton Green.
Eccleshall host Market Drayton Town, aiming for a shot at the final North West Counties Division One South play-off spot, while Wolverhampton Sporting Community are at fourth-placed Abbey Hulton United.
Stafford Town are at AFC Blackpool for the Macron Cup semi-finals and Bewdley Town face Tytherington Rocks in Hellenic League Division One.
