‘Don’t underestimate them’ - Boss Adam Wall demands professionalism as Stafford Town face winless Haughmond
Stafford Town boss Adam Wall has warned his side not to “underestimate” basement boys Haughmond tomorrow.
Wall’s North West Counties League Division One South table-toppers welcome the winless Shrewsbury-based side to Evans Park.
Stafford put four past Alsager Town midweek, without conceding, and after agonisingly missing out via the playoffs last season, have started the new campaign strongly in their bid for promotion.
“A lot of what we have learned from last year is to not worry about the table now,” said boss Wall.
“We were top for six months and Winsford went on to win the league. As nice as it is to be top, nothing is close to even being done.
“Haughmond have had a tough start. They have come up and found it difficult at the moment.
“Our plan is to win. It is more of an attitude day to make sure that we do things properly, and don’t underestimate the opposition.
“Last year we pre-empted that we would win games, and dropped points. We can’t do that this year, we have to go to the places that we should win and win, and if we are at home against the bottom of the league like tomorrow then we should be winning.
“I expect a fully professional performance.”
Matthew Hearsey has impressed so far for Stafford, scoring nine in seven league matches.
But, while their attacking prowess has pleased Wall, it’s his side’s defensive resilience that has stood out.
“The big thing this year is the clean sheets, they have been a big improvement,” he added.
“We have kept five, only conceded four and two of those were penalties.
“I feel like we are in a good position to turn a lot of those games that we drew or lost last year into wins.”
Meanwhile, league rivals Wolves Sporting visit Barnton while Wolverhampton Casuals welcome Stockport Georgians, and Eccleshall entertain Runcorn Town.
In the Midland Premier, Dudley Town visit Hanley Town while AFC Wolverhampton City welcome Abbey Hulton United, and Stourport Swifts travel to Northwich Victoria.
Stone Old Alleynians go to Highgate United, Tividale host 1874 Northwich and Lye Town travel to Winsford United.
In the Midland One, Bilston Town welcome Smethwick Rangers and Wednesfield visit Kirby Muxloe while Cradley Town visit Saffron Dynamo, Gornal Athletic host Heather St. John’s and Birmingham OJM travel to Coventry Copsewood.
And, unbeaten in four, Bewdley Town welcome Wantage Town in the Hellenic League Division One.
