Jamie Hawkins challenges Chasetown to maintain form against top rivals
Jamie Hawkins has challenged his Chasetown side to maintain their strong form and tackle a tough set of fixtures which he admits could be season-defining.
In a trio of crucial Northern One West clashes against top sides, the Scholars welcome fourth-placed Runcorn Linnets tomorrow, aiming to secure a third consecutive league win.
Following a midweek Staffordshire Senior Cup defeat to Leek Town - only their second game of the new year - Hawkins has set out his expectations for the side to challenge for promotion.
"We were disappointed to have exited the competition, but there was certainly some rustiness about us after the enforced layoff," he said.
"I am hoping that will be a positive and the game will have dusted off the cobwebs ahead of this weekend.
"Runcorn are a top side and will definitely be in the promotion or play-off mix. These are the games that are going to really matter, if we have ambitions to also be in that conversation, then getting positive results against the sides in and around us will be really important.
"The one things about the league this season is there are an awful lot of teams still in that promotion chase. Somebody has to come out of the pack and find that level of consistency, and go on to gain it. We are hoping that can be us.
"In terms of the fixture list being defining, it has the potential to be, if we can be the side that does find that consistency."
Elsewhere in Northern One West, strugglers Stafford Rangers visit Bootle looking to end a 10-game winless run. Interim manager Graham Deakin took charge for his first match in a midweek friendly against Rushall Olympic.
Sporting Khalsa host basement side Trafford, aiming to secure vital points to pull clear of danger, while Darlaston Town, one place below Khalsa in 19th, travel to face high-flyers Bury.
In Northern One Midlands, 10th-placed Lichfield City welcome Wellingborough Town, who sit one place above them, looking to end a poor run of form. Lichfield have lost their last three league matches and won just once in six, leaving them four points adrift of the play-offs.
