Walsall Wood: Darren Byfield’s boys facing uni test

The boss admits his team may need to win all five of their remaining fixtures to overhaul leaders Ilkeston Town, who hold a three-point lead at the top.

But their hopes have been boosted by a haul of 11 goals in the last two games, which has narrowed Ilkeston’s goal difference advantage.

The Wood, who visit Loughborough University tomorrow, are just three goals worse off than their rivals.

Byfield said: “We’ve still got to play Ilkeston next month, so goal difference could be crucial come the end of the season.

“Ilkeston won at Long Eaton last week but let two late goals in and I bet they were fuming.

“We’ve got to keep winning and scoring as many goals as we can.

“The goals had been a bit of an issue prior to these last two games but it is not like we haven’t been creating chances all season.

“Often the final touch let us down or the opposition keeper has made good saves.

“Now the chances are starting to go in. Long may that continue.”

Tomorrow’s trip to Loughborough begins a run of three straight away games for The Wood, which concludes with the Easter Saturday showdown with Ilkeston.

Byfield continued: “We know we probably have to win every game to try and stop Ilkeston.

“We also know we have the tougher fixture list. All we can do is keep plugging away. They are the favourites.

“I’m not giving the players any particular message. This is not a time for gimmicks or mind games.

“We all know what we have to do and it is about concentrating on the next game.

“The players just have to enjoy it. This is the time when you really miss being a player and my only frustration is I can’t get my boots on and get involved. Being a manager is the next best thing.”

Third-placed Sporting Khalsa will be looking to cash in on any possible slips from the the top two when they go to bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Sporting Community

The other top flight action sees Lye Town welcome Quorn to Stourbridge Road.