‘Happy to go under the radar’ - Eccleshall boss Liam Kelly relishing underdog role after flying start
Liam Kelly says his Eccleshall are “happy to go under the radar” as they look to be the surprise package in the North West Counties League Division One South.
The Eagles sit fifth in the standings after going unbeaten in their past seven league games ahead of tomorrow’s trip to basement boys Wolverhampton Sporting Community.
After a summer of change following last season’s play-off heartbreak - that itself came after an incredible run - boss Kelly says his side are relishing their underdog status.
“We have hit the ground running,” he said. “We are notoriously terrible starters, and normally at this time of year we find ourselves at the bottom end of the table.
“It’s nice to be in the play-off shout. The lads have been brilliant, and have brought into everything. I can’t fault them and they are getting their rewards.
“I am telling you for a fact that there are a lot of managers at our level who didn’t think we would be anywhere near it this year, which suits us. We are happy to go under the radar.
“We will never take any game lightly. We always see ourselves as the underdogs, and when you do win, it makes it that little bit sweeter.
“But, it is going to be harder to stay with that mentality the better we do, and teams are starting to show us a bit more respect.
“We will keep our mindsets right and take every game as it comes.”
Eccleshall face a Wolves Sporting side who have lost their last ten games in all competitions, conceding 44 goals in that run.
“If we do want to be up there this season, then these are the games that we have to win,” added Kelly.
“They are games in the past that have been sticky points and banana skins for us, so we have to make sure that we go there and win.”
Meanwhile, 17th-placed Wolverhampton Casuals go to Runcorn Town while Stafford Town welcome Cammell Laird 1907.
Elsewhere, Bewdley Town visit Thame United Reserves looking for their seventh straight win in the Hellenic League Division One.
In the Midland Premier, eighth-placed Dudley Town entertain 11th-placed Brocton. The Robins are unbeaten in their past four league games.
In the Midland One, Birmingham OJM host Allexton & New Parks while Gornal Athletic welcome Lutterworth Athletic.
Bilston Town visit Saffron Dynamo while Smethwick Rangers host Cradley Town, and Wednesfield Community welcome Stapenhill.
