'We must be up for it' - Stuart How urges Gornal Athletic to stay sharp ahead of Stapenhill clash
Stuart How has urged his high-flying Gornal Athletic to make sure they are "up for it" against Stapenhill after previous tough encounters.
Gornal sit second in the Midland League Division One after 14 games and have been in free-scoring form, netting 15 goals in their last three matches across all competitions, including three against Lye Town midweek.
They welcome Stapenhill tomorrow looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games. But after suffering two defeats to The Swans last season while in charge at Tividale, How is taking nothing for granted.
"I have a pretty awful record against Stapenhill, I lost 3-1 away and 4-1 at home last year," said How. "They are definitely not a team we will take lightly.
"They had a great result against Leicester St Andrews last weekend, so I am anticipating a tough game. The players are aware of our record against them, so it's a game that we have to make sure we are up for.
"We had a little bit of a blip over an eight-day period in September where were dropped a few points.
"The atmosphere probably wasn't right, but we have brought a couple of players in and have been playing really well in the last few games. It has been a good few weeks.
"We have looked at the next 10 games again and set ourselves a target. If we hit it then we should be in the mix. I keep saying to the players to just concentrate on themselves."
Elsewhere, sixth-placed and unbeaten in four Bilston Town visit Allexton & New Parks, while strugglers Cradley Town go to Heather St. John's.
Wednesfield travel to Leicester St Andrews while Birmingham OJM go to Nuneaton Griff and Smethwick Rangers host Birstall United.
In the Midland Premier, Lye Town visit Abbey Hulton United while Brocton welcome Whitchurch Alport and Stone Old Alleynians travel to Coton Green looking for back to back wins.
Dudley Town entertain Stourport Swifts while Tividale host Northwich Victoria and AFC Wolverhampton City go to Winsford United.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, Stafford Town visit Market Drayton Town while Eccleshall entertain Telford Town and Wolverhampton Sporting welcome Alsager Town.
In the Hellenic League Division One, Bewdley Town visit Chipping Sodbury Town looking to go seven league games unbeaten.
