'From like Real Madrid to the Red Lion' - Ian Long compares Rushall Olympic to pub team, demanding reaction

Long's anger followed Rushall's return to the Northern Premier League relegation zone after a heavy 5-1 defeat at Ilkeston Town on Boxing Day.

With just two wins from their last 10 league matches, Long knows his side face a tough task against league leaders and local rivals Hednesford Town today, but has demanded a response from his Pics.

He said: "We started the Christmas period great with the 5-1 win over Leek, we looked like Real Madrid. But, then we looked like the Red Lion on Boxing Day. There is a lack of consistency over the Christmas period.

"I am sure there will be a performance against Hednesford, they won't be as a bad as what they were against Ilkeston, that's for sure. But I am disappointed in a lot of the players, I am not going to lie, we were really poor and have let a lot of people down.

"We've got to stop conceding through individual errors, that is a big issue at the moment. If we gift opportunities to Hednesford, they have the quality in their side to really punish us. 

"It is going to have to be a really top draw performance from us if we are going to get anything out of the game. At the same time, it is a local derby, over the festive period, and there are some strange results that happen. 

"I was really surprised, shocked and disappointed with our performance against Ilkeston. I hadn't seen it coming, despite some disappointing results in recent weeks we have played well.

"I felt the Leek scoreline was coming, but then to back it up with a lacklustre and poor display, it was the worst of the season by some distance, and the lads need to react.

"I am sure we will get a reaction, we are in a dog fight now and they have got to be performing like it is a local derby and cup final every week. We are in a proper dog fight, sides down there are picking up points and we are not picking up enough."

Rushall salvaged a late point at Hednesford in the reverse fixture in August, and Pitmen boss Gavin Hurren has warned his side not to underestimate their rivals.

He said: "It will be really tough. They have some good experienced players who I know personally and have been around the block.

"Yes, they are up against it and down there at the moment, but when it comes to derbies and local battles, it is a big one. Performances and form guides go out of the window, we have got to be at it."

Elsewhere, in the Southern Central Premier on Saturday (January 3), sixth-placed Halesowen Town host Bromsgrove Sporting while rivals Stourbridge, who are now just three points adrift from safety, visit Alvechurch looking to go five games unbeaten.

Meanwhile, in the National League North, also on Saturday, Kidderminster Harriers welcome Curzon Ashton.