Comment: It's game on in non-league

Premier League and Championship sides are not in action – and a few other Football League clubs have had to postpone their fixtures – but non-league is in full swing, writes Joe Edwards.

League fixtures and FA Cup first qualifying round games are aplenty – and all of the teams on our patch would very much appreciate your support.

A major source of income for part-time clubs is the tickets they sell on a matchday.

Those funds help to pay their players, they maintain catering and travel costs, and assist the general upkeep of their grounds – which, of course, is boosted by the invaluable work of volunteers.

Rushall Olympic, who are managed by former Stoke City and Burnley defender Wayne Thomas, start off in the FA Cup at the first qualifying round stage.

They welcome Potton United to Dales Lane tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The Pics play in the Evo-Stik Premier – step three of non-league – and have former Stoke City and Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Lawrence as their skipper.

They would love an extra few cheering them on against the United Counties League Division One side.

Also at home in the cup, are Rushall’s domestic rivals Halesowen Town.

They have not had a good start in the league – winning one and losing five – so will be desperate to kick-start their season as Basford United visit The Grove.

A bit further down, there are many sides across our area playing in the Midland League and the West Midlands Regional League too – offering a wholehearted 90 minutes of football.

And in the second tier of non-league, National League North, Kidderminster Harriers are in action at home.

Managed by ex-Stoke, Watford and Derby County midfielder John Eustace, they go up against Boston United at Aggborough.

Harriers could have £75,000 summer signing Dan Bradley, former PSG youngster Elton Ngwatala and ex-Walsall man James McQuilkin on show.

Having covered AFC Telford United home and away in the same division for more than a year now, it is safe to say the football is of a high standard.

And if you are feeling a bit peckish, the ‘Aggborough Pie’ may seem a bit steep at £5 – but, trust me, it is worth every penny.

Overall, the non-league game offers something the likes of the Premier League and Championship cannot – a community feel, where paying to get in and watch is making a real difference.

At most places, the management team and players will mix with supporters after the game in the ground’s bar – enjoying a drink and a chat about the game.

Higher up in the pyramid, there seems to be an ever-growing disconnect between a club’s fans and players, but that camaraderie is still apparent at the lower levels – it is a big pull.

Not everyone is going to take to it, granted, but it is certainly worth giving a go.

And who knows, you might just become a die-hard follower of your local non-league club for many years to come.