Camaraderie the key as Richard Ball eyes Midland Premier play-off charge with Lye Town
Richard Ball is confident his Lye Town side can fire themselves into Midland Premier play-off contention, hailing the “camaraderie” within his squad.
Lye sit ninth in the standings, seven points adrift of the play-off places. They ended 2025 on a high with a Boxing Day victory but have yet to play since, following several postponements.
The Flyers visit second-placed Hanley Town tomorrow, a side they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by in September, but boss Ball believes his team are a force to be reckoned with.
He said: “It’s a good place to be. There is togetherness and camaraderie, the will to want to get the best out of each other.
“We aren't where we want to be, but there is still half a season left. We will keep pushing and look to give the best version of ourselves. We know we can be in and around it come the end of March.
“Everyone has to play each other. Teams at the bottom can beat teams at the top. We have to concentrate on Lye Town and keep doing our best, pushing forward and getting wins under our belts.
“It is going to be tough, we have some big games coming up, starting with Hanley. Bar AFC Wolverhampton City, they were the best team we have played all season at our place.
“They were a very good, organised team. We will give it a good go, our best shot. We are as good as any team on our day, we are.
“The lads have had no time off over Christmas, they have all been coming in, leaving their families to train, and they want to be there.”
Meanwhile, AFC Wolverhampton City visit league-leaders Northwich Victoria, Stone Old Alleynians entertain Coton Green, Dudley Town go to Studley, and Tividale travel to Winsford United.
In the Midland One, third-placed Gornal Athletic visit Bilston Town while Cradley Town welcome Smethwick Rangers. Birmingham OJM go to Leicester St Andrews and Wednesfield welcome Lutterworth Athletic.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, Wolves Casuals welcome Stafford Town while Wolverhampton Sporting travel to Cheadle Heath Nomads, and Eccleshall visit Allscott Heath.
