Sporting Khalsa ready for ‘David versus Goliath’ battle with league-leaders Bury says boss Ian Rowe
Ian Rowe says his Sporting Khalsa will not shy away from the challenge in a “David versus Goliath” clash with Northern One West leaders Bury tomorrow.
Bury, who are storming back up the football pyramid after their expulsion from the English Football League for financial mismanagement, arrive in imperious form, having won all six of their previous league matches.
In stark contrast, 17th-placed Khalsa have managed just one victory in their past six - though an encouraging three-game unbeaten run suggests the tide may be turning, and Rowe said his side have nothing to fear against the table-toppers.
“This is what we are in football for, the big games of this nature,” the Khalsa boss said.
“They are a good side, let’s make no bones about it. It is a bit of a David versus Goliath clash.
“But, it is one that we will look forward to, and hopefully we can cause a few problems.”
Khalsa conceded late on to draw with Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday, as they did against Shifnal Town just a week earlier.
Rowe admitted that his side’s habit of conceding late goals has been frustrating, adding: “Tuesday was the fourth time this season that we have conceded after the 90th-minute.
“I think in the past two months, we have lost points from points of strength. We have dropped points from winning positions or lost games late on.
“So it is a little bit annoying, but the group is still learning and coming together.
“I was a little bit concerned up until the last three games, but we should have taken nine points from them.”
Rowe added that his side are still suffering due to injuries within the squad.
“We are running with a very lean squad,” he continued. “We had a complete rebuild in the summer with 15 players leaving. The squad needed time to gel.
“Because we are running with a squad of 17/18 players, when three or four are injured, we are having to delve into the under-21s.”
Elsewhere, fifth-placed Chasetown welcome Mossley looking to avoid their third consecutive defeat. The Scholars were beaten 3-0 by Nantwich Town on Wednesday that followed a 4-0 drubbing from Bury last weekend.
Stafford Rangers entertain Newcastle Town searching for back-to-back wins while one-from-bottom Darlaston Town entertain Clitheroe.
The Citizens are winless in their past nine league matches and are searching for their first league win since August 19.
In the Northern One Midlands, seventh-placed Lichfield City visit St Neots Town after a 2-2 draw with Racing Club Warwick on Wednesday.
