Rushall Olympic target a place back in the play-offs

The Pics are sixth in the table – one place and two points behind a Royston side who occupy the final play-off berth.

And manager Liam McDonald is relishing the battle to finish in the top five.

“These are exciting times to be involved with the club,” he said. “We have set our targets high and to see us among the big boys in the league and also still involved in four cup competitions is fantastic.

“We’re playing with plenty of belief, but at the same time, these lads will never get above their station. They understand the need to stay focused, take it one game at a time and work hard.

“It’s a tough game on Saturday against a very good Royston Town side. If we are to mix it with the big boys, we have to go toe-to-toe with them and it presents us with an opportunity to see where we’re at.

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge that stands before us and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.

“Royston are good at what they do and, to me, they are a top two side. They have a couple of big games coming up against ourselves and in the FA Trophy next weekend, so it will be a test for them too.”

Elsewhere in the Southern Central Premier, Hednesford Town travel to Needham Market and Stourbridge host promotion rivals Peterborough Sports.

In Southern Central One, Halesowen Town are at home to Barton Rovers.

Stafford Rangers picked up their first Northern Premier win of 2020 when overcoming Warrington Town last time out – but, sitting seven points adrift at the foot of the table, they must repeat that feat much more often.

They travel to play-off-chasing Witton Albion tomorrow, with joint-manager Alex Meechan hoping Boro have turned a corner.

“The team have shown me resilience of late, they’re learning quickly,” he said. “Courage, bravery, they’re showing it all and that they’re willing to put it all out there for the club.

“That’s important at this level and it’s very pleasing for me to see it.”

Looking ahead to the Witton game, Meechan added: “They don’t give a lot away, they’re very organised.

“I know their manager Carl Macauley and he knows this level well – I have a lot of respect for him.

“They’re a team that consistently picks up points and they work hard.

“We know what we need to do, every game now will be difficult.

“It’s about getting and keeping that momentum and confidence in the players to pull off the great escape and avoid relegation.”

Third-bottom Chasetown are at home to bottom club Wisbech Town in Northern One South East, hoping to open up an eight-point lead over their fellow strugglers.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Shan’s Kidderminster Harriers will look to arrest their alarming slide when they travel to National League North leaders King’s Lynn Town.

Harriers are fourth from bottom, four points above the relegation zone, while Lynn are four points clear at the summit – top scorer Adam Marriott has already netted 28 goals this season.