Ian Rowe calls for Sporting Khalsa to be Christmas No.1

Khalsa know victory at Boldmere St Michaels tomorrow will ensure they head into the festive period top of the pile.

The fixture begins a run of five away games in six for Rowe’s men and the boss is interested to see how his team react after a weather-enforced three week break.

“We’ve managed to train a bit but the lads are sick of training now, they want to play,” said Rowe.

“It’s a bit of a worry, what shape we will be in after the break. The 4G pitch at Boldmere is another thing to throw into the mix.

“But we know if we win the game we will spend Christmas top of the table and that has to be the aim.”

Rowe believes the next few weeks could well “separate the men from the boys” in terms of the title race.

Khalsa host landlords AFC Wulfrunians in a Boxing Day showdown at Castlecroft (noon kick-off) and also tackle Westfield, Coventry United and Worcester City before the end of January.

“There’s no doubt it is an important time for us,” he said. “When we only took two point from the first four games, I’d have bitten your hand off to be in the position we are now. We’ve just got to try and keep the run going. We’ve maybe drawn a couple more games than I would have liked in the last few weeks.

“For me, Bromsgrove Sporting are still the favourites but there are five or six clubs who will still fancy their chances. We are certainly among them.”

AFC Wulfrunians boss Richard Forsyth is meanwhile hoping his team can take advantage of home comforts over Christmas and New Year. Forsyth’s men, who sit 12th in the table, play their next four fixtures - including the Boxing Day clash with Khalsa – at Castlecroft.

The boss said: “It’s worked out quite nicely for us in terms of having what are effectively four home games. We have to make the most of this chance to climb the table.”

The kick-off time with Khalsa has been brought forward three hours in the hope of attracting a bumper crowd.

“They are absolutely flying at the moment and it will be a good test for us,” said Forsyth. “Quite a few of the players have turned out for both clubs over the years so there is definitely a derby element.

“That might be something of a leveller for us as the teams know each other pretty well.”

Wulfs host Rugby Town on Saturday in what will be their first game for three weeks.

“It’s good to be back in action,” said Forsyth.