Sam Mantom happy to be back on the pitch with Pics

He made a goalscoring debut at Lowestoft Town last Saturday, salvaging the Pics a point, and will be available for their home Southern Central Premier game agianst Kings Langley tomorrow.

The 28 year-old has almost 300 professional appearances under his belt for the likes of Walsall, Southend United and Scunthorpe United and joins one-time Premier League player, Michael Kightly, in the engine room of the team.

“Having not played since March and dealing with all the difficulties that Covid has brought to lads out of contract this summer, the chance to get back out there and play in a competitive league was brilliant,” said Mantom. “It was absolutely fantastic to see the fans make such a long journey to Lowestoft last weekend to support the team and I’m glad we managed to get a point out of the game, especially having been reduced to 10 men.

“It’s quite evident the spirit and determination within this group is a big factor. There are some really good characters in the team with a lot of quality and experience to get results here.

“I think it’s a team the fans can really relate to and get behind every game and from a personal point of view, I really enjoyed being part of it last weekend and hitting the back of the net again.

“I’m looking forward to being involved again on Saturday. We’re expecting another really tough test against Kings Langley; no-one gives you anything easy whatever level you’re at, so we will have to be bang on it from the moment we get to the ground. I can’t wait to get out there; I’ve heard the surface here is good so hopefully we can play some nice football and get those three points in the bag.

“It was nice to see some Walsall fans supporting the team at Lowestoft. I had some brilliant years there and it’s the first result I look for. I’ve got big admiration for the people at that club and it would be nice to see some familiar faces coming along here on Saturday to support a local non-league club who are working hard and trying to do things the right way.

“These are very difficult times in the football industry, both for clubs and players, so who knows what the future will hold for me, but for now I am enjoying being involved here at Rushall alongside some fantastic and really passionate football people.”

Elsewhere in the Southern League tomorrow, Hednesford Town are on the road at Royston Town in the Central Premier, while Halesowen Town host Daventry Town in Central Division One.

Stourbridge have a free weekend, but host Alvechurch on Monday.

In Northern One South East, Chasetown return from their Covid-enforced break with a home games against Stamford. And Kidderminster Harriers have arranged an away trip to Chorley in National League North tomorrow after the Lancashire club received a bye to the first round of the FA Cup.