'It’s what we expected' says Dean Gill on Darlaston Town's tough start admitting they are in relegation fight
Dean Gill admitted his Darlaston Town are in a battle for Northern One West survival - but insisted it comes as no surprise.
The Citizens have collected seven points from their opening eight league matches to sit 17th in the standings ahead of tomorrow's trip to fellow early strugglers Congleton Town.
They head into the clash after being hit for six by Stalybridge Celtic midweek. However, despite that setback, and with the campaign still in its early stages, boss Gill offered a reality on expectations and remains upbeat.
Asked about his assessment of the season so far, Gill said: "It is what we expected it to be. We are a point behind where I planned and expected. We are not massively far away.
"We don’t like losing, we have lost more games that we would have liked to, but everything has to be kept in context with what league we are in and resources we have.
"We are very proud and have been very successful, but the reality is we are where we deserve to be. I have no overly worried emotions about that.
"We are in a relegation battle with eight other teams, and that is it, we have to get our heads down and continue to work hard.
"We had a heavy lost midweek, but 95 per cent of my players were in sixth gear, foot to the peddle. I have no complaints of that, and I will have no complaints if I have the same this weekend. I will take what comes.
"That’s what we need to be. Until anything changes around more resources or players, we have to just keep plugging away and take points when they are available."
Elsewhere, 18th-placed Sporting Khalsa welcome Wythenshawe Town of a place below them. Khalsa were knocked out of the FA Cup by Hereford midweek after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser and losing in extra time. Ian Rowe's side have played just five league games so far this season, earning six points.
Sixth-placed Stafford Rangers visit Bury looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats in all competitions, while Chasetown entertain league leaders Lower Breck looking to extend their unbeaten run to four league games.
In the Midland One, Lichfield City return to action, hosting Rugby Town. Ivor Green's side have racked up 11 points from their opening seven league matches in what is their first ever season at step four non-league football.
