Gary Birch targeting title push for Walsall Wood

Birch’s boys have kicked off the campaign in style with five wins from five games.

Their latest success saw them thrash Chelmsley Town 7-0 on Monday, with Paul Ronald scoring a hat-trick.

They are now preparing to host Littleton on Saturday, with Birch hopeful of getting another ‘positive result’.

Former Walsall striker Birch said: “We go into every game knowing no match is easy. From my experience managing, you don’t take anybody for granted.

“Looking at the results through August, teams are quite capable of beating anybody on the day.

“I would like to think we could get another positive result. They are always a team that are there or thereabout.”

But he added: “I believe I have got a squad capable of winning the league. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.”

Alongside taking maximum points from all of their league games so far, Wood have been prolific in front of goal, thumping home 20 goals.

Meanwhile, they have been solid at the back, letting in just three.

The other goalscorers against Chelmsley were Joe Butlin, with a brace, and Daniel Okojie.

Also on Monday, Heath Hayes crashed to 5-3 reverse against Heather St Johns.

Meanwhile, in a Staffordshire derby match, Stafford Town beat Brocton 1-0.

Brocton had beaten Littleton 2-1 on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, Lichfield City drew 2-2 with Ilkeston Town.

In the Premier Division, Sporting Khalsa enjoyed their first win of the season by beating Haughmond, who won the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division last season, 3-0 at home.

Rikardo Reid opened the scoring on Monday, before substitute Craig Bannister increased the lead on 49 minutes.

David Meese sealed the win on 87 minutes.

The victory sees them sit 13th in the table, on five points thanks to two other draws.

But AFC Wulfrunians lost 2-0 to league leaders Coleshill Town. They currently reside in 12th place.

Lye Town enjoyed a 4-1 win on Saturday away to Long Eaton United.