Express & Star

Non-league preview: Rushall Olympic have set benchmark, says boss

Boss Liam McDonald believes Rushall Olympic set the standard in their last game that they must maintain for the rest of the Southern Central season – despite the fact they lost.

Published

The Pics, who did not play last weekend because of the freezing weather, were defeated 1-0 at Alvechurch in their previous outing.

They are heading to St Ives Town, who are 11th, tomorrow. Rushall are five points behind in 15th.

“If we play like we did at Alvechurch in our last game, nine times out of ten we will win,” said McDonald.

“Now the challenge is to reach the same levels on Saturday and bounce back with three points.

“We know that our luck will change; the lads have gained plenty of confidence from our recent displays and we’re in good spirits with just one defeat from our last five matches.”

Stourbridge have a big game at the War Memorial Ground as they aim to keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive.

Gary Hackett’s Glassboys are five points behind table-toppers Kettering Town, having played two more games.

They host Biggleswade Town and a loss would probably mean another crack at the play-offs, which they fell short in two seasons ago in the Northern Premier – and the campaign before that.

At the other end of the table, Halesowen Town sit second from bottom – two points from safety, but with a game in hand over fourth-bottom Lowestoft Town and third-bottom St Neots. It means their trip to Needham Market is not exactly a must-win, but experienced chief Rob Smith would love to have three points in the bag come 5pm tomorrow.

In the Northern Premier, Stafford Rangers are hovering just above the relegation zone.

They are travelling to fifth-placed Scarborough Athletic, looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games and further steady the ship under Alex Meechan and Andy Fearn.

They stepped up to take charge following Steve Burr’s departure – and then retirement from management.

Hednesford Town are currently 16th in the division, but they have a massive task on their hands.

They are travelling to top-of-the-table Warrington Town, who have lost just twice on their own patch this term.

In the West Division, Chasetown are on the road, going to Atherton Collieries.

The Scholars are hoping to build on two convincing victories – 3-0 and 2-0 wins against Colwyn Bay and Skelmersdale United respectively – but they are the definite underdogs going into this clash.

Atherton are leading the way – six points ahead of the nearest challenger, Runcorn Linnets.

And up in National League North, Kidderminster Harriers, with Mark Yates back at the helm, are welcoming Chester to Aggborough.

Harriers yesterday announced defender Lee Vaughan had left the club to sign for National League outfit Solihull Moors.