Injury woe for Chasetown before opener

Chasetown have suffered a major injury blow on the eve of the new season.

Hot-shot Paul Sullivan is set to miss as much as the opening month of the Scholars' Evo-Stik League Division One South campaign.

The striker – who rejoined the club this summer after a successful loan spell from Hednesford Town last season – could be accompanied on the sidelines by fellow new signing Ryan Quinn.

But that has not dampened the spirits of Chasetown boss Dave Stringer, who takes charge of his first match at Leek Town tomorrow (3pm).

He said: "It's a blow, but it gives an opportunity for someone else to step up. Without a doubt, Leek will provide a tough game because they got to the play-offs last year.

"It will be a marker to see where we are and to see if need to improve or if we've got enough.

[related_posts title="More on Chasetown, Stafford Rangers and Tividale"]

We've got a young side and for some of the team it will be a baptism of fire, but I'm confident they can challenge and get a result."

Former Coventry City youngster Lewis Rankine and ex-Walsall midfielder Richard Davies are among those to watch out for.

And Stringer is looking forward to his first game in charge since taking over from Marcus Law, who departed in May to link up with Kettering Town.

Stringer said: "At Rugby, I was always involved in championship or play-off challenges in the run-in – we want the same here.

"Chasetown should be a league higher – it's a fantastic club with lots of good people and we'll be working hard to push on."

Stafford Rangers added ex-Wolves youngster Nathan Rooney to their ranks this week.

They begin what they hope will be a promotion-winning campaign at Daventry Town tomorrow (3pm) before welcoming Romulus to Marston Road on Tuesday (7.45pm).

It's all change at Tividale for their second season in the division, with several new players, a new captain and new joint-managers in Ross Thorpe and Phil Male. They host Shaw Lane Aquaforce tomorrow.