Wolves and Stafford in a title showdown

The table-toppers make the trip to Coopers Park knowing victory will all but end their second-placed hosts’ title hopes.

Wolves go into the clash 10 points clear of their rivals having taken a firm grip on the battle for glory following a superb run of 13 straight wins.

“It’s do or die for Stafford in terms of the title,” said Wolves forward coach Ian Harley. “If were to win, then, depending on the score, we could be 13, 14 or 15 points clear of them. If we lose, we would still be at least five points clear with six games to play.

“We beat them at home earlier in the season, but it was a scrappy game and they will fancy there chances.

“Stafford they have been on a really good run. They annihilated Shrewsbury in their last game and have been scoring a few points.

“Both sides are in good form and it should be a good game and it’s one our lads are really looking forward to.”

Stafford ran in 92 points against struggling Shrewsbury in their last home outing and have yet to taste defeat this season on their artificial pitch. But while some sides may be apprehensive of a tackling Stafford on the 4G surface, Wolves and their fleet-footed backline are relishing the task.

“Playing on a 4G pitch makes a difference and there is an obvious advantage if you play on one regularly,” added Harley. “It makes the game faster and much more expansive. The ball goes out wide a lot more.

“But we have no worries about going there to play on it. We are looking forward to it.

“We have scored a lot of tries from the wings and full-back positions.

“And I think the side will prefer playing on a nice dry surface as opposed to a muddy swamp.

“We have had problems with our pitch this season and have had some drainage work done recently.

“It’s been quite heavy and I think that has probably done us out of a few more tries and points.”

Wolves, who have lost Morgan Feriday and Tom Jones to injuries, hope Alex Bird will overcome a back problem to take his place in the line-up. Both sides enjoyed a free weekend – as did Walsall, who return to action at Newcastle, and Burntwood, who head to Moseley Park.

“ We gave away a few penalties in quick succession that led to them scoring tries.

“Tom Jones has suffered a knee ligament injury.

“He is due to have a scan this week to learn the full extent of the injury.

“Morgan Feriday is out for the season with a broken collarbone.

“It’s disappointing for the two players and the team, but you are going to pick up injuries through the course of the season. You just hope you don’t get too many at the same time or too many in the same position.

“But, as I have said before, our second team are doing really well and we will bring players up from there.

Alex Bird has a back injury but we have a couple of weeks off now and that has come at a good time for him.

Hopefully when we play Stafford he will be fully fit.