'We're still fighting' - Darlaston boss Gill eyes 'unreal' win over local rivals Sporting Khalsa

Darlaston Town boss Dean Gill says a late Christmas present win over local rivals Sporting Khalsa would be “unreal” as they battle to escape danger.

Gill visits one of his best friends in football, Khalsa boss Ian Rowe, as both teams sit precariously at the bottom end of the Northern One West. 

A win for Darlaston would see them level on points with Khalsa, who just outside the drop zone - and Gill knows the importance of three points. 

“It would be unreal, but Ian will be saying exactly the same," he said.

“It’s a massive game if we can get the win, but equally, if they do, they can stretch their lead. In an ideal world we both get out of this. 

“I am really looking forward to it. Ian’s one of my best football friends. Nothing will be defined on Boxing Day, but we both know the situation, we are both in a tough place, and we both need wins.

“It’s a great challenge. We will only be challenged on the final result, whether we stay up or not, that is how most people define success. But, we don’t have that mentality, we found ourselves in a tough position.

“On paper, it looks like we have had a disastrous start to the season, but we are still in there fighting with a chance.”

Meanwhile, Stafford Rangers, who are winless in eight league games, host seventh-placed Chasetown.

Scholars boss Jamie Hawkins said: “It’ll be great, I am one of those people who looks forward to these occasions, rather than thinking of them apprehensively. 

“We all put a lot of time and effort into non-league football, and these are the days you want to be involved in.

“But, if the result doesn’t go your way, then you can throw the occasion out of the window because it wont be a very memorable one for us.”

Elsewhere, in the Northern One Midlands, Lichfield City welcome Coleshill Town. Lichfield sit fifth in the standings with just one defeat in their last five league games.

In the Northern Premier League, leaders Hednesford Town host third-placed FC United of Manchester while Rushall Olympic will look for back-to-back wins at Ilkeston Town.

In the Southern Central Premier, Halesowen Town visit Worcester City while Stourbridge entertain Banbury United looking to go four league games unbeaten.

And Kidderminster Harriers visit Hereford in the National League North. Harriers sit fourth in the standings, looking for their fourth win in a row.